Zion Williamson shut down again due to foot injury

Zion Williamson does not appear close to returning to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Williamson is being shut down from basketball activities due to lingering pain in his right foot. There remains no timetable for Williamson’s return.

“After experiencing persistent soreness in his right foot, Zion Williamson underwent medical imaging which showed a regression in the bone healing of his fifth metatarsal. As a result, the volume and intensity of his training will be reduced for an extended period to help allow for further bone healing. Additional updates will be provided as warranted,” the team said in a statement.

The news on Williamson keeps getting more concerning. The star forward has yet to play this season after undergoing offseason foot surgery. He had been increasing his workload, but his foot pain flared up again last week and apparently has not gone away.

Previous reports have indicated that the Pelicans have been doing everything they possibly can to get Williamson healthy. Ultimately, none of those efforts appear to be working. We don’t know whether that’s the result of bad luck, or whether Williamson’s weight is as concerning as rumors indicate, and if that factor is impacting his rehab. All we know is that the forward does not appear anywhere close to a return.

Photo: Mar 4, 2020; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) laughs while warming up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports