Pelicans' Zion Williamson receives injection in foot, out at least another four to six weeks

New Orleans Pelicans All-Star forward Zion Williamson is now seemingly closer to making his post-2020-21 debut in the fall of 2022 than at any point during the current campaign.

Williamson underwent offseason surgery to repair a fracture in his foot, recently suffered a setback in his recovery from that procedure, and was said to be at roughly 330 pounds, nearly 50 pounds over his listed weight, earlier this month. The Pelicans offered an update on his status Thursday afternoon, and it isn't promising for his return to action. 

"Following a consultation and further evaluation with Dr. Richard Ferkel of the Southern California Orthopedic Institute yesterday, Zion Williamson received a biologic injection into the fracture site to stimulate bone healing in his right foot," the club explained. 

"Williamson will be limited to low impact, partial weight-bearing activities for an extended period. Further updates will be given following further imaging which is anticipated to occur in 4-6 weeks." 

In 2020-21, Williamson led the team in scoring (27.0 PPG) and player efficiency rating (27.17), but there's now zero reason for New Orleans to send him out onto the court for meaningless games this coming winter. The Pelicans sit at 9-21 ahead of Friday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks and, thus, won't be sniffing a noteworthy postseason run. Williamson still possesses too much promise to risk his health assuming he's cleared to play either shortly before or after the All-Star Game in February.