How long has Zion Williamson been injured? Latest updates and return status explained

Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans' oft-injured star, remains out as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Williamson has been out since Jan. 2.

Williamson was supposed to be eligible to return to action after three weeks, but the Pelicans' medical staff has consistently revealed that he needs more time to recover.

Williamson sustained his hamstring injury on Jan. 2 in a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. The injury occurred late in the third quarter after he secured a rebound and accelerated up the floor. He was subbed out of the game.

The New Orleans Pelicans have a 17-25 record this season without Zion Williamson in the lineup. The Pelicans (34-37) are in 12th place in the Western Conference standings as they have lost 10 of their last 15 games. New Orleans was 26-17 on Jan. 13 but has gone 8-20 since.

For the team to make a strong push for the play-in tournament, it can use Zion on the court before the season ends.

Zion Williamson plagued by injuries

Zion Williamson, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, was a dominant force on the court this season as he averaged 26.0 points on 60.8% shooting with 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists before his hamstring strain. He looked incredible whenever he could play, being named an All-Star for the second time in his four seasons, but the problem is that he is more often than not unavailable to suit up.

His career has been marred by injuries.

Although he made the 2019-2020 All-Rookie team, Williamson played only 24 (of 72) games because of a torn meniscus. He averaged 22.5 ppg on 58.3% shooting with 6.3 rpg and 2.1 apg.

Williamson was an All-Star in his sophomore season, when he played 61 (of 72) games, averaging 27.0 ppg (61.1% shooting), 7.2 rpg and 3.7 apg. But he finished with a fractured left ring finger that shut him down for the final six games.

He missed all 82 games last season with a fractured foot.

All told, he has played just 114 out of 297 (and counting) possible games in the regular season. He also missed all eight postseason games last season and the All-Star Game this season.