After missing nearly three weeks with a calf strain, Memphis Grizzlies forward James Ennis is expected to return to action early next week, league sources told ESPN.

Ennis, 26, participated in most of Monday's practice. He continues to increase his workload behind the scenes in anticipation of reuniting with his team on the court soon.

After missing nearly three weeks with a calf strain, James Ennis is expected to return to action early next week. Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports

There's a slight possibility that he could be activated for Friday's home game against the Sacramento Kings, but the more realistic route is a return early next week, a source said.

The 6-foot-7 small forward has started 13 of the 14 games he played in this season and has an average of 9.1 points.

Center Marc Gasol, this week's Western Conference Player of the Week, will sit out Tuesday's road affair at Cleveland.

Memphis (17-8) is enjoying a six-game win streak.