Mark Ballas has been sidelined from the Season 22 competition.

During Week 2 of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” Paige VanZant’s partner was notably missing from the dance floor after suffering an injury during dress rehearsal. The two time Mirror Ball champion explained during the show that the reason he was forced to sit “Latin Night” out was because he slipped a disc in his back.

“I’m hurting,” he said in agony during his pre-package footage. “Oh, yeah. I’m in trouble.”

Due to Mark’s injury, Paige hit the ballroom with troupe member Alan Bersten, who learned their salsa routine just two hours before the live show. The twosome wowed the judges with their fiery performance, tying for the highest score of the night and earning praises from the judges. Len Goodman told Paige, who was nervous about busting a move with a new partner, that her salsa was the best dance he’s seen thus far in the Season 22 competition.

Mark was appreciative that Alan stepped in to help his partner shine but added that he’s eager to get back on the dance floor — that is, if his doctors clear him to dance. According to Mark, he had an MRI and will undergo a bone and CT scan “just to be safe.”

“I’m hopeful I’ll be back,” he told co-host Erin Andrews. And apparently Mark isn't the only one feeling positive.

Mark revealed his doctors feel "optimistic" about his return to the ballroom.

“The doctor seems to be optimistic, so I’m feeling good about it,” he told E! Online, easing the minds of worried fans. “I just don’t know how quickly. No time-frame yet...but I don't want to let her down. I want to be there with her, she’s fantastic.”

“Dancing With the Stars” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

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