Martell Webster has been cleared for contact at practice

When it was announced that Martell Webster was going to miss 3-5 months after his third back surgery in four years, we assumed it was going to take closer to the end of that timeframe to see him get back to the court. He's made it clear he values maintaining his health long after his basketball career is over, and given the Wizards' depth on the perimeter and status in the Eastern Conference, there's no impetus on either side to rush things.

That said, it's not like Martell Webster is sitting on his couch eating nachos either. Even back at Media Day in late September, he was back to working on shooting and running as he rehabbed. Now, according to Jorge Castillo, he's been cleared for contact:

Webster, 27, underwent his third back surgery in four years on June 27 and was given a recovery timetable of three to five months. He said his return remains "on schedule," which would mean a return by the end of November. On Thursday, Webster participated in half-court work with contact.

Webster also told CSN Washington's J.Michael that he's still "right on schedule" which would put his return for later this month.

While the Wizards have fared well with and without Bradley Beal so far this season, adding a healthy (and hopefully happy) Martell Webster to the team's depth only helps the team moving forward.