John Wall injury update: Wizards' star on the road to recovery

In a season that has gone far worse than any Washington Wizards fan anticipated, it's nice to finally get some relatively good news. John Wall's scheduled visit to the doctor did not reveal any additional damage, according to the team. Wall will begin "ramping up" his recovery, and the organization will continue to monitor any remaining "irritation" to the left patella tendon.

Wall still has no timetable for his return, so there is still some concern. Still, there was a fear that Wall might be ruled out for the season once he missed his eight-week target date that the team initially suggested. That concern only grew when Wall stopped doing his pregame shooting routine before the team's game against the Miami Heat in early December. But it appears whatever the Wizards did has worked to the point where Wall's return is potentially coming soon.

This isn't to say that Wall will immediately pick up right where he left off. There is still some "irritation" in the tendon, and I imagine coach Randy Wittman will want him to go through practice before putting him out on the court. Once he gets back, I'm sure he'll look rusty for a couple games. But even though the season may be lost, the Wizards need Wall back soon to provide hope for the team's rebuild and give the organization enough information to see whether he indeed is on the way to becoming the player they envisioned him to be.

UPDATE: Here is Dr. David Altcheck's full statement:

"John's examination today showed improvement in his stress injury that will allow him to begin ramping up his activity level. There is still some irritation in the knee which we have treated over his last several visits with a series of three lubricating Synvisc injections, the last of which was given today. He will continue to be evaluated on an ongoing basis."