Dwyane Wade Injury: Updates on Heat Star's Shoulder and Return

Oft-injured Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is still dealing with shoulder soreness that forced him to miss Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards. However, he has been cleared to return to the court.

Continue for updates.

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Wade Active vs. Raptors

Friday, Jan. 22

Wade will attempt to play against the Toronto Raptors, per Ethan Skolnick of the Miami Herald.

Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press previously reported Wade would not be available.

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Wade's Health Vital to Heat's Playoff Hopes

As injuries have piled up throughout Wade's illustrious career, he's had to take on a more limited role in the Heat's rotation. The 34-year-old is averaging a career-low 29.9 minutes per game as head coach Erik Spoelstra tries to keep him healthy for a possible postseason run.

With decreased playing time, Wade's numbers have also taken a hit. His scoring average (18.1) is his lowest since his rookie season, and his shooting percentage (45.5) is the worst of his career.

The Heat have done a better job of constructing a team around Wade this year to withstand his absences, though guard Goran Dragic is currently out with a calf strain. 

Shooting guard depth, however, isn't a strength of this Miami team. Josh Richardson has played sparingly, while Gerald Green has struggled to find consistency with his shooting. 

The Heat will ultimately go as far as Wade, Dragic, Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside carry them. His return can't be short-lived if the Heat are going to make a playoff push.