Chris Paul was on the bench in the late stages of the Rockets' season opener on Tuesday. Turns out, it was because of an ailing left leg.

That leg injury could sideline the All-Star point guard for up to four weeks, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.

There are fresh fears in Houston that Rockets point guard Chris Paul could be sidelined for a month by a bone bruise in his left knee suffered during the exhibition season, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation. Paul has been officially ruled out of the Rockets’ home opener Saturday night against Dallas but is likely to be held out for a much longer period, said the people, who requested anonymity because they are not publicly authorized to discuss the player’s health status. Paul bumped knees with Memphis Grizzlies guard Mario Chalmers on Oct. 11 and was forced to sit out Houston’s final exhibition game. The All-Star was then reduced to a spectator for much of crunchtime in Houston’s season-opening win at Golden State and held completely out of Houston’s win in Sacramento on Wednesday.

Paul's injury could be a big reason the Rockets are looking at adding a point guard.

Houston, among other teams, have reached out to representatives of Jameer Nelson, league sources tell ESPN. — Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 20, 2017

Houston has a 15th spot available, so Rockets could simply sign a back-up point guard without needing to make another roster move. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 20, 2017

Coach Mike D'Antoni said the Rockets do not consider the injury serious. But after Paul's difficulties in the opener, the Rockets have opted against having him play through the soreness that slowed him.

With championship aspirations, Houston has little reason to rush back its star guard, who was traded from the LA Clippers to the Rockets this summer.