Pelicans’ Zion Williamson reduces training for an “extended period” after a kickback in foot rehabilitation

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is still suffering from pain in his surgically repaired right foot and will be cutting back on his training for an extended period of time, the team announced on Saturday.

“After Zion Williamson experienced persistent pain in his right foot, Zion Williamson underwent medical imaging that showed regression in bone healing in his fifth metatarsal,” New Orleans said in a statement. “Additional updates will be provided as needed.”

Before the team announces, The athlete reported that Williamson would likely be shut down as he continued to have foot pain.

Williamson had worked one to zero and shot before his final foot scan. His most recent setback comes less than two weeks after the Pelicans announced he was battling persistent pain in his right foot. New Orleans said it doesn’t see the problem as a serious setback, adding that Williamson would not do any outreach work during the team’s upcoming road trip.

On November 26, the 21-year-old power forward was medically cleared for full basketball activities. Ten days earlier, he was given permission to participate in contact exercises, starting with 1-on-1 work and ending with workouts for the entire team. Williamson’s foot was then reevaluated on November 24th, and he took part in a 4v4 battle across the field in the days that followed.

The third-year star has yet to appear in a game this season after fracturing his right foot and undergoing surgery that summer. Williamson has averaged 25.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 85 career games.

(Photo: Sean Gardner / Getty Images)