The latest update regarding Adam Fox has just surfaced following the holiday break: When will he return?

Following the holiday break, Fox was back with the team for morning skate on Saturday, a positive sign after weeks away from action. However, the star defenseman remained in a red non-contact jersey, signalling that his return to game action is not yet imminent.

Fox has been sidelined since November 30 after suffering an upper-body injury during a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The injury occurred after a hit from Brandon Hagel, a moment that immediately raised concern given Fox's importance to the Rangers blue line.

Since being placed on long-term injured reserve, Fox's absence has forced the Rangers to reshuffle their defensive pairings. Braden Schneider has taken on a heavier workload, while younger defensemen like Scott Morrow have been given expanded opportunities, including power play responsibilities.

Saturday's skate confirms that Fox is progressing, but the red sweater tells the rest of the story. Non-contact status typically means a player is still working through strength, timing, or discomfort before being cleared for full participation.

The Rangers have been cautious throughout Fox's recovery, and there's little incentive to rush him back. At 27 years old, Fox remains the engine of the team's transition game and power play, and bringing him back too early would carry unnecessary risk.

Head coach Mike Sullivan has emphasized patience with injured players this season, and Fox appears to be following that same timeline. Fox is only expected to be out for a few weeks, and it's been nearly a month, so it should be anytime soon.

For now, Fox is closer than he was a week ago, but not close enough. The Rangers will once again have to navigate a big divisional matchup without their top defenseman, hoping his return comes sooner rather than later.