Trusted Rangers reporter has just provided the latest update on star defeneman Adam Fox

Another encouraging update surfaced Tuesday morning as Fox continued skating with the Rangers while wearing a red non-contact jersey. It's a familiar sight by now, but still an important step for a team missing its most impactful defenseman.

Fox has been sidelined since late November after suffering a shoulder injury during a 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers placed him on long-term injured reserve on November 30th, immediately reshaping their defensive structure.

Since then, the blue line has relied heavily on patchwork pairings and expanded roles. Braden Schneider and Vladislav Gavrikov have taken on tougher minutes, while younger defensemen have been forced to grow up quickly.

Fox skating regularly with the group signals progress, but the non-contact jersey remains the key detail. Until that comes off, a return to game action is still not imminent.

At 27 years old, Fox is the engine of the Rangers' defense. He drives breakouts, quarterbacks the power play, and consistently logs over 24 minutes per night when healthy. His absence has been felt in transition play and offensive support from the back end.

The Rangers have made it clear they will not push Fox before he's fully ready. Shoulder injuries for defensemen are delicate, especially for someone who relies on strength, balance, and puck battles.

With the holiday break approaching, there's no urgency to accelerate his timeline. The Rangers are focused on having Fox healthy for the stretch run, not just available.

Every skate without setbacks is a positive sign. Still, the red jersey is a reminder that this process isn't finished. Fox is getting closer. Not close enough yet.