Ben Simmons Injury: Updates on 76ers Forward's Recovery from Foot Surgery

Philadelphia 76ers rookie forward Ben Simmons left practice Sept. 30 after suffering a Jones fracture in his foot, which required surgery. It is unclear exactly when he will be able to return.

Continue for updates.

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Simmons Comments on Recovery Timeline

Wednesday, Oct. 26

"I'm just working every day to get back on the floor once they tell me I'm ready to play," Simmons said to reporters. "There's no timetable on getting healthy. I can't wait to get out there."

"I just need to take my time and come back when I'm ready and healthy," Simmons added. "I'm looking forward to getting to that point. As soon as I can get out there and play, I'll be out there."

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Brown Comments on Simmons' Timeline to Return

Friday, Oct. 21

"It’s not doom and gloom," head coach Brett Brown said, per Keith Pompey of Philly.com. "Ben is coming back in January."

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Simmons Undergoes Surgery

Tuesday, Oct. 4

The 76ers announced Simmons' surgery on Tuesday to repair an acute Jones fracture was successful.

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Latest on Simmons' Timetable to Return

Tuesday, Oct. 4

"I just got off the phone with someone I trust who said there's no way his agent will let him play this season," Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News said on Monday during an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic.

On Tuesday, Cooney clarified the statement, saying he "talked to someone who said they wouldn't be surprised if the agent didn't want Simmons to play."

According to Jeff Goodman of ESPN (via ESPN.com's Marc Stein) on Saturday, Simmons is expected to be out for around three months.

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Simmons' Diagnosis Revealed

Friday, Sept. 30

The 76ers announced Simmons fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot Friday. Cooney initially reported news of the fracture.

Pompey reported the Sixers sent Simmons for imaging after he rolled his ankle during Friday's practice session.

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Simmons' Injury Latest Disappointment for Sixers

Hopes of a successful rebuild in Philadelphia rest on the shoulders of the top overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. The LSU product was one of the most hyped college prospects in a decade thanks to his well-rounded skill set that features just about everything aside from outside shooting.

The Australia native missed some time early during his stay with the Tigers while waiting for an ankle injury to heal. He also exited an NBA Summer League contest in July after suffering cramps in both legs.

The Sixers are no strangers to their top prospects dealing with injuries. Jahlil Okafor missed the latter stages of his rookie year last season after suffering a knee injury. Joel Embiid, the third overall pick in 2014, didn't play a single game over his first two years because of multiple foot surgeries.

The front office will hope Simmons doesn't end up going through similar problems.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia will probably spread the forward's preseason minutes around among several players in its crowded frontcourt. Robert Covington, Dario Saric and Jerami Grant are among those who figure to receive upticks in action.