Dustin Johnson Hopes to Play 2017 Masters After Back Injury Progressing

After injuring his back in a fall Wednesday, world No. 1 Dustin Johnson is progressing ahead of his tee time Thursday at the Masters.

According to Tim Rosaforte of Golf World (h/t Joel Beall of Golf Digest), Johnson's trainer, Joey Diovisalvi, said the following regarding his status: "We got him to the point where he got mobility. He was up and moving around and definitely going in the right direction. He was very much in an under control point going to bed last night. He was walking around, a lot more mobility, took a couple of practice swings slowly without a club."

Diovisalvi also said Johnson informed him Wednesday, "I'm going to do everything I can to go out and play tomorrow."

Bob Harig of ESPN reported Johnson arrived at the course ahead of his round and his manager told Todd Lewis of Golf Channel (via Rex Hoggard of Golf Channel) that Johnson is at 75 percent and will "likely" play.

Lewis originally reported Johnson is "cautiously optimistic."

Per Sam Weinman of Golf Digest, a statement was released on Johnson's behalf Wednesday stating that he fell on his lower back and had "hope" to play in the Masters.

According to Weinman, Johnson slipped on some stairs and is dealing with pain on the lower left side of his back below the rib cage.

The 32-year-old American is enjoying a great 2017 season with victories in the Genesis Open, WGC-Mexico Championship and WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play since February.

Per OddsShark, Johnson is currently the No. 3 choice to win the Masters behind Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, but he was the heavy favorite prior to the injury.

Johnson is scheduled to tee off for Thursday's first round as part of the final group at 2:03 p.m. ET, which will allow him maximum recovery time.

For more news, rumors and related stories about Dustin Johnson and the PGA Tour, check out the PGA Tour and Dustin Johnson streams on Bleacher Report's app.