Zion Williamson is injured which means the New Orleans Pelicans will kick off the 2021-22 season without him, read on to know more about his injury update and return date
New Orleans Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson has sustained an injury in his right foot over the summer. That is not good news for the Pelicans as they look to start the upcoming NBA 2021/22 season very soon. Even though the Pelicans had announced that Williamson would be fit to start the season, the power forward’s broken metatarsal in his right foot has not healed. He suffered the injury in the process of working out in the summer.
Zion Williamson Injury Update, News And Status
Although it’s certain that Zion will be back much stronger after his recovery period, matters just became unpleasant and more difficult for the Pelicans who will miss their key power forward for a while. It’s not the first time that Williamson has sustained an injury before the start of the season, as we saw him ruled out for his first game of the season in his rookie year back in 2019.
Williamson’s injury required an offseason injury and scans were conducted. The good news is that after reviewing the scans, Dr. Richard Ferkel and the Pelicans team doctor gave a positive feedback. Apparently, the doctors were “very encouraged’’ by the healing of the bone.
When can we hope to see Zion Williamson and his return date
The star power forward is officially ruled out for the Pelicans’ season and will miss the team’s opening game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Because of his fracture, he was absent in the Pelicans’ four preseason games as well. About his return, the Pelicans’ gave a statement saying that Williamson will be re-evaluated in 14 days.
If his medical forecast looks positive after two weeks, the team will include the 21-year old in the squad for their game against Golden State. However, the team also feels that it would not be prudent for Williamson to travel on a long trip, which is why he will most likely return on November 10th, 2021 at home against OKC Thunder. All this will only be possible if his re-evaluation is favourable.
Williamson injury history
Thumb sprain- April 2021
Right knee soreness- August 2020 (missed the final two games of the 2019-20 season)
Torn Meniscus, start of rookie year: 2019-20 (out for 44 games)
Knee injury: Summer League 2019
The infamous Nike shoe injury: Injured his knee 30 seconds into the game as a result of his shoe getting blown out in the Duke vs UNC match in 2019. He was out for 3 weeks.