TORONTO - The Raptors organization and its fans can breathe a sigh of relief after receiving positive news regarding the status of injured point guard Kyle Lowry. Lowry will wear a splint on his non-shooting hand to protect an injured left ring finger tendon for approximately six weeks, however, he is still expected to participate in practices and play in games once the regular season begins next week, the team announced Thursday evening. The starting point guard sustained the injury during Wednesdays victory over Memphis when his finger popped out while reaching for a loose ball late in the third quarter. Attending a follow-up examination, Lowry was absent from practice Thursday morning and did not accompany the team to Milwaukee. He will miss Torontos final exhibition game against the Bucks on Friday but should be ready to go when the Raptors host Boston in the season opener on Oct. 30. The Raptors catch a lucky break as long as Lowry is active and in the lineup, even if hes playing at less than 100 per cent. Given the uncertainty off the bench at that position - neither D.J. Augustin nor rookie Dwight Buycks has stood out in the preseason - Lowry is expected to get the bulk of the playing time at the point this season. Coach Dwane Casey has hinted at a possible platoon with the back-up point guard role, depending on match-ups and who has the hot hand, alternating between Augustin and Buycks heading into the season. With Lowry sidelined for Fridays preseason finale, Casey should get a good look at his reserves. Julyan Stone, who is still battling for the final roster spot but has been used to spell Lowry at the point during camp, is also nursing an injury after taking a knee to his surgically repaired right hip on Wednesday. He was a non-participant in Thursdays practice and is consider day-to-day. Centre Jonas Valanciunas was limited in practice, able to participate in non-contact drills after taking an elbow to the face a couple minutes after Lowrys injury. Valanciunas needed three stitches to patch up a laceration to his chin and was still sore on Thursday but insisted he was feeling better and will also be good to go next week when the games count. "I feel not bad," he said. "[I] still need a couple days but Im feeling good so Im going to be ready for the first [regular] season game." Tyler Hansbrough, who tweaked his right thumb Wednesday, was a full-participant in practice. Raptors exercise team options on Valanciunas and Ross The Raptors also announced they have picked up third-year options on the rookie contracts of sophomores Valanciunas and Terrence Ross. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. The team had until Oct. 31 to exercise its option on both players. Valanciunas, 21, was named to the 2012-13 NBA All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 8.9 points and 6.0 rebounds in his first season with the Raptors. Ross, 22, averaged 6.4 points and 2.0 rebounds as a rookie last season, winning the 2013 Slam Dunk competition at All-Star weekend. Both of their contracts are now guaranteed through the 2014-15 season. Tim Beckham Jersey . Since coming to the big leagues in late May, La Stella is 6 for 7 with the bases loaded, driving in 13 runs in those at-bats. Jim Presley Mariners Jersey . - Quarterback Brady Quinn says he has been released by the Miami Dolphins. https://www.cheapmariners.com/2085k-tim-...y-mariners.html. Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Duck Calling With several marquee centres available via trade and expected to be available via free agency, the Anaheim Ducks could be primed to be big players in the coming days. Taylor Guilbeau Jersey . Wall made the comment in a speech to a Regina business crowd that included Lesnar. The U.S. wrestler and retired mixed martial artist says he was visiting his brothers farm in Saskatchewan and decided he wanted to hear what the premier had to say. Shed Long Jersey .com) - Jeff Teague had 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 90-85 on Saturday night.Every day leading up to the eve of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, TSN.ca will be previewing one of the eight participating groups. Today, the previews continue with Group E featuring Karim Benzema and France, Xherdan Shaqiris Switzerland, Antonio Valencia and Ecuador and Honduras with Wilson Palacios. Check back on Monday for Group F. Just 10 days before opening the tournament against Ecuador, Les Bleus received word that talisman Franck Ribery would be out of the tournament with a back injury. How will Didier Deschampss charges respond without their best player and can an Antoine Greizmann or Loic Remy step up in his absence? Click here for the France team preview Switzerland was the only team able to inflict defeat on eventual winnerss Spain at the 2010 World Cup, but were unable to pass the group stage and then failed to qualify for Euro 2012.dddddddddddd Can the Swiss progress out of Group E to turn the page for the national program? Click here for the Switzerland team preview Going into Brazil with the death of teammate Christian Benitez fresh in their minds, can the Tricolor rally around their fallen comrade and honour his memory with a trip to the Round of 16? Click here for the Ecuador team preview In 2010, Honduras hoped that a return to the World Cup after 28 years would result in the nations first-ever win. Instead, they didnt score a goal. Will Brazil be the place where Honduras finally records a World Cup victory? Click here for the Honduras team preview ' ' '