Image: Simon Cudby.

RCH Soaring Eagle/Jimmy Johns/Suzuki Factory Racing’s Ken Roczen has opted out of returning for this weekend’s Houston round of 2015 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, his status for the remaining races to be determined on a week-to-week basis.

Roczen sustained a left-ankle injury in February at the Georgia Dome and has been hampered by the situation ever since. The German rider competed with the injury at both rounds in Atlanta before re-aggravating his ankle at Daytona, where he was ultimately sidelined.

He was scheduled to return to competition this weekend in Houston, however Roczen, his physicians and management team, along with RCH co-owners Carey Hart and Ricky Carmichael, made the collective decision for the 20-year-old to sit out this weekend while continuing to evaluate his recovery one race at a time.

“I’m back on the bike and doing a ton of cross training, but it’s a tough decision and I’m super-bummed that I won’t be racing in Houston this weekend,” explained Roczen. “I can’t wait to be back at the track but the team and I just want to make sure I am 100 percent.

“I can’t thank Carey and Ricky enough for all of their support. If anyone understands this business and how injuries can go, it’s those two. All the fans and our sponsors have been awesome so I’m really thankful for all their support too.”

Meanwhile, Roczen’s RCH teammate Broc Tickle will be aboard his RM-Z450 this weekend and on the gate at NRG Stadium, currently ranked ninth in the 2015 standings.