The towering 42-year-old defenseman was nowhere to be found at the Wednesday morning practice, a likely sign that he is out, but Chara’s legendary toughness can’t be overstated.

While coach Bruce Cassidy would only say Wednesday that Zdeno Chara had suffered a “facial injury” after his captain was struck in the face by a deflected puck in the second period of the Game 4 loss in St. Louis, multiple reports indicated that Chara had suffered a broken jaw.

A jaw-dropping return for Thursday night’s Game 5 by Big Z? Don’t count on it, Bruins fans.

“He’s a warrior, and it’s pretty impressive the pain threshold that he has,’’ said Patrice Bergeron.


But if there’s no “Miracle on Ice’’ headline tonight trumpeting a Chara return, the Bruins could be bolstered by the availability of Matt Grzelyck, who missed the two games in St. Louis after being in concussion protocol. Grzelyck, who skated in a red non-contact jersey Wednesday, said he was “feeling good.”

“When he gets [medically] cleared, he’ll be ready to go,’’ said Cassidy. “Whether that’s by [Thursday] or not, I couldn’t tell you.’’

Regardless of Chara’s status, Cassidy is confident his team won’t be deterred.

“He is your captain and he plays some valuable minutes in this particular series. Against a heavier team, that’s where you miss the actual what he brings to the table. But in terms of the mentality, I think this team will be OK.”

Check back here for Chara and Grzelyck updates from the Thursday morning skate at 10:30.

Today’s schedule

10:30 a.m.: Bruins morning skate, followed by media availability (TD Garden)

11:30 a.m.: Blues morning skate, followed by media availability (TD Garden)

8 p.m.: 2019 Stanley Cup Final Game 5 (NBC)

Coverage plan

■ During Thursday night’s Game 5, look for a special package of live stats and game updates plus commentary from Globe reporters and columnists on BostonGlobe.com’s homepage and sports page


■ The Globe will send six reporters/columnists, three photographers and an editor to Game 5

The latest content on the Stanley Cup

■ Matt Porter on the Bruins’ possible contingency plan if Chara can’t go

■ Tara Sullivan says the Bruins players have repeatedly shown how much they love playing for each other

■ Nicole Yang on Grzelyck and other notes from practice

Scott Thurston can be reached at sthurston@globe.com.