Zion Williamson injury update: Pelicans star participates in light shooting drills at practice

It appears as though Zion Williamson is inching closer to a return to game action for the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson has yet to play in a game for the Pelicans this season after undergoing foot surgery over the offseason, but after rehabbing away from the team for an extended period of time, Williamson recently returned to New Orleans.

On Friday, he was at practice and participated in some light shooting drills with assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon.

Earlier this month, Williamson was cleared to progress in basketball activities. The Pelicans released the following statement regarding the positive progress that he has made with his rehab:

"Recent imaging showed improved bone healing of the fifth metatarsal in Zion Williamson's right foot. He will gradually progress to full weight-bearing exercise and basketball activities. He remains out indefinitely.

Although Williamson is still out indefinitely, it's a step forward that his foot is healing properly and that he's been cleared for more on-court activities, especially since it was recently reported that the former No. 1 overall pick might need to undergo a second foot surgery. It's unclear how much Williamson's timeline has changed with the Pelicans' recent announcement, but they surely will be cautious in bringing their young star back given his injury history.

Even without Williamson, the Pelicans have managed to completely turn their season around after a dismal 1-12 start. While they've stumbled a bit lately with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum sidelined, they're in 10th place in the Western Conference and 1.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Portland Trail Blazers. With just about a month of the regular season remaining, the Pelicans are on track to make it to the play-in tournament.

Regardless of whether Williamson ends up coming back this season, the addition of McCollum and the way they've played over the last few months means there are legitimate reasons for optimism in New Orleans.

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