Jaylen Wells, a promising 6-foot-7 player, suffered a significant wrist injury during Tuesday’s game, raising concerns among teammates and fans alike. Wells followed that up with strong averages of 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. He was in the midst of making a big play when the Bridges-related injury bug struck.
Wells received an outlet pass from teammate Ja Morant, and after receiving the ball, attempted to dunk the ball. As he rose up, Colorado guard KJ Simpson got under him. This counter-move resulted in an unexpected hard drop and a dangerous mid-air crash. The force was so great that Wells not only sustained a severe concussion when he fell onto his extended arm and head, but broke his right wrist.
The traumatic episode caused Wells to become noticeably anxious, requiring urgent medical support. He continued to lie on the court for about eight more minutes before medical personnel placed him on a stretcher. His head was stabilized as a precaution while being transported to a local hospital.
Per interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, Wells showed encouraging signs while in the hospital.
“He had movement in all of his extremities,” – Tuomas Iisalo
Despite this encouraging news, Wells’ father, Fred Wells, provided further insight into his son’s condition. He mentioned that Jaylen was complaining about face, jaw, and back pain after the fall. Luckily, Jaylen was cognizant enough to inquire about the score of the Super Bowl they were missing, a sign of awareness that belied the severity of his situation.
Following the incident, Morant expressed his horror at seeing the injury unfold.
“It’s tough. I threw the pass and turned around and was doing our little touchdown celebration. When I got there, the first thing I saw was blood, and I’ve got a weak stomach,” – Ja Morant
Jaylen Wells, a talented second-round draft pick out of Washington State in 2024, looks to have a season-ending injury. This uncertainty had many doubting his prospects to play this upcoming season. The team has not given any indication as to a recovery timetable or further course of treatment.
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