They're already down a reigning MVP, but it may be getting worse for the Chicago Bulls.

Jo tried to gut it out, but clearly laboring now...really favoring the ankle, limping heavily, O at the table

— Aggrey Sam (@CSNBullsInsider) May 5, 2012

According to my handy Chicago Sports Vernuclar book, "Jo" is code for Joakim Noah, "O" stands reserve Omer Asik, and "limping heavily" means that Tom Thibodeau's frontcourt may have just got frighteningly thin until further notice.

After being taken to the locker room by the Bulls training staff, Noah has since returned to the Bulls bench, but he continues to favor his ankle, and does not look fit to return to the game. Without him, they lose a leading rebounder and defender, and make life just a bit more difficult for Carlos Boozer.

The Bulls did squash a one-point halftime deficit to take a 60-51 lead to close the third quarter, but the trepidation continues to build in the Windy City.

And just for good measure:

Update: He returned to the court, somehow. Really.

For more on the Bulls, visit Blog-a-Bull and SB Nation Chicago.