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          Source: Bucks to start season without Eric Bledsoe due to rib fracture

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          • Eric Woodyard, ESPNOct 11, 2019, 02:29 PM
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              Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted, Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan. You can follow him on Twitter: @E_Woodyard

          Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe will miss the start of the 2019-20 season after suffering a small fracture of his rib, a source confirmed to ESPN.

          Bledsoe could be out for up to three weeks, the source said, after getting injured during the Bucks' 133-99 preseason win on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz.

          The injury was originally diagnosed as a strained oblique muscle after Bledsoe posted five points and two assists in 12 minutes of action. The Bucks will open the regular season at Houston on Oct. 24.

          The Athletic earlier reported on Bledsoe's injury.

          Bledsoe averaged 15.9 points and 5.5 assists last year, his second in Milwaukee.