Jamir Watkins is out after undergoing surgery for a torn left ACL, the Wizards announced Thursday. The 25-year-old forward is expected to miss essentially all of the 2026-27 season, with a projected return date of April 1, 2027.
What happened
Washington listed Watkins as out on the injury report Sunday, Sept. 6, at 4:32 a.m. ET, with a left knee injury. The team announced Thursday that Watkins underwent surgery for a torn ACL. There was no previous status on file for him before this entry. The report lists an expected return date of April 1, 2027, which would keep him sidelined for nearly the entire 2026-27 season.
What it means for the Wizards
Washington opens its season on the road against the Knicks on Thursday, Oct. 8, without Watkins available. Last season, the 25-year-old forward played 50 games at 20.6 minutes, averaging 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists. In games without him, the Wizards have leaned on CJ McCollum (30.9 minutes, 18.8 points), Julian Reese (30.9 minutes, 11.8 points), Kyshawn George (29.0 minutes, 14.8 points) and Bilal Coulibaly (26.2 minutes, 11.7 points) for extra minutes at forward. Washington has not played a regular-season game yet in 2026-27, so there is no record to compare with and without Watkins this season.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Watkins' recovery is tracking to plan. His expected return is April 1, 2027, near the end of the 2026-27 season. Washington opens the season at the Knicks on Oct. 8 and figures to play the rest of its schedule without him barring a change to that timetable.
Is Jamir Watkins playing at Knicks?
No. Watkins is out after ACL surgery and will not play when the Wizards visit the Knicks on Oct. 8.
When will Jamir Watkins be back?
The Wizards' expected return date for Watkins is April 1, 2027, following surgery for a torn left ACL.