Kawhi Leonard’s return to the Toronto Raptors has hit an early setback, with the star forward expected to miss several weeks because of swelling in his left knee. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, an MRI showed no structural damage, but Leonard and the team will use the upcoming stretch to gradually build him back up following interruptions during the offseason.

The Raptors announced that Leonard will undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program and be re-evaluated in one week. That evaluation does not establish a return date. Charania’s reporting indicates that his absence is expected to extend beyond a few games, leaving Toronto without one of its most important players early in the season.

The news comes after Leonard appeared in just two games to begin his second stint with the franchise.

He returned last Wednesday, scoring 23 points in Toronto’s comfortable season-opening win over the Chicago Bulls. It was a promising introduction for a player whose previous run with the Raptors ended with the franchise’s first championship in 2019.

However, his second appearance was less productive. Leonard finished with 16 points on 5-of-17 shooting against the Washington Wizards two nights later. He then missed Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The latest update explains why Toronto must prepare for a longer stretch without him. While the MRI finding is encouraging, the swelling still needs treatment, and the team has not announced when Leonard will return to play.

For the Raptors, the immediate challenge is replacing his offensive production without asking one player to carry the entire responsibility. Leonard scored 39 points in his first two appearances, averaging 19.5 per game. His absence removes a scorer who can create a shot when the initial action breaks down, and possessions become more difficult.

Toronto will need contributions throughout its rotation, particularly in situations where Leonard would normally receive the ball and attack a favorable matchup. Maintaining ball movement and generating easier chances will become more important without that option available.

Developing continuity is also a factor. Leonard’s return gave the Raptors an opportunity to establish how their offense would function around him. Two games provide limited time to build that understanding, and this absence temporarily interrupts that process.

The reported offseason stoppages add another consideration. Charania indicated that the coming weeks will also be used to ramp Leonard back up, so this is about preparing for a sustained return while also addressing the current swelling.

The Raptors’ next formal checkpoint is the re-evaluation in one week. Until then, any specific comeback date would be premature.