Johan Franzen: (Groin) Likely Out Until Next Week

Franzen said he was still experiencing tightness in his groin during Tuesday's practice and isn't confident he'll return to game action over the weekend, Chuck Pleiness of the Macomb Daily reports.

Analysis:

Franzen took part in practice Tuesday for the first time since Oct. 17 and was given the go-ahead to participate in Wednesday's morning skate in Washington, but it doesn't sound like he'll be activated from injured reserve in the next couple of days, as coach Mike Babcock had initially anticipated. Instead, the forward will attempt to steadily increase his activity level in subsequent practices to the point where the groin injury is no longer bothersome, with the hope of playing in a game at some point next week.