If you follow the Memphis Grizzlies, you know the drill by now. It feels like the training room has a revolving door. Honestly, just when the fan base starts to feel good about a healthy roster, something happens. That’s why everyone held their breath when the news about the Memphis Grizzlies injury Jaylen Wells started circulating.
Jaylen Wells isn't just another name on the depth chart. He’s the 39th overall pick from 2024 who basically forced his way into the starting lineup and stayed there.
The Scary Moment in Charlotte
To really understand the context of Wells' health, we have to look back at the incident that almost derailed everything. It was April 2025. The Grizzlies were playing the Hornets in Charlotte. Wells went up for a fast-break dunk—something he’s done a thousand times—when he was undercut mid-air by KJ Simpson.
The fall was brutal.
He landed awkwardly, slamming his head and right arm against the hardwood. The arena went dead silent. You’ve seen those moments where the medical staff brings out the stretcher immediately; this was one of them. For a rookie who hadn't missed a single game up to that point, seeing him wheeled off with a neck brace was a gut punch for the city of Memphis.
The diagnosis was a mess:
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- A broken right wrist.
- A concussion.
- Multiple facial lacerations.
It ended his rookie season right before the playoffs. It was the kind of injury that makes you wonder if a player will ever be as aggressive at the rim again.
Managing the 2025-26 Season Grind
Fast forward to right now, January 2026. Jaylen Wells has been a "perfect attendance" guy for most of this season, starting every single game. But lately, things have been a bit shaky.
During the first week of January 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies injury Jaylen Wells status popped back up on the radar. He was dealing with left hamstring soreness. It’s that classic "probable" tag that drives fantasy owners crazy. He’s been playing through it, but the numbers tell a story of a guy who might be running on fumes.
In a recent win against the Brooklyn Nets on January 11, Wells only put up two points. Two! He shot 1-for-7. If you’ve watched him this year, you know that’s not who he is. Earlier in the season, when Ja Morant was sidelined with a calf issue, Wells was lighting it up, even dropping a season-high 23 points against the Lakers.
Why the Grizzlies Can't Afford to Lose Him
Memphis is currently navigating a weird season. Zach Edey is out for weeks with a stress reaction. Ja Morant is dealing with his own nagging lower-body issues. Vince Williams Jr. is finally back, but the wing depth is still thin.
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Wells is sort of the glue.
He’s averaging about 12 points and 3.5 rebounds per game this year. While his shooting percentages have dipped recently—sitting around 31.7% over the last few outings—his defensive versatility is what keeps him on the floor for nearly 28 minutes a night. Coach Tuomas Iisalo trusts him. That’s big. Iisalo’s system relies on wings who can switch and hit the corner three, and Wells fits that mold better than almost anyone else on the roster for his price point.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Recovery
People see a broken wrist and think, "Okay, he’s healed." But shooting touch is a fickle thing. Wells’ three-point percentage is hovering around 32.5% this season, down from the mid-30s during his rookie year.
Is it the wrist? Maybe. Is it the hamstring soreness affecting his lift? Likely.
NBA players are rarely 100% after the first month of the season. Wells is essentially a sophomore who has had to carry the load of a veteran because of the team's luck with the injury bug. He’s a "3-and-D" prospect who is being asked to do more "3" and more "D" than a 22-year-old usually should.
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Looking Ahead: The Berlin Game and Beyond
The Grizzlies are heading to Berlin to play the Orlando Magic this week. It’s a massive milestone for a kid from Sacramento who used to attend Tyreke Evans' basketball camps.
The concern remains the workload. If the Memphis Grizzlies injury Jaylen Wells report continues to list him with hamstring soreness, the team might have to make a tough call. Do they rest him and risk a slide in the standings, or do they keep pushing their "X-Factor" until the All-Star break?
Honestly, the Grizzlies are a different team when Wells is clicking. When he’s hitting those transition threes, the floor opens up for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Edey (when healthy). Without him, the rotation gets messy fast.
Actionable Insights for Grizzlies Fans
- Monitor the Hamstring: Keep a close eye on the morning shootaround reports. Hamstring soreness for a high-volume runner like Wells can lead to a more serious strain if not managed.
- Watch the Shooting Mechanics: If you see him passing up open looks or hesitating on the catch-and-shoot, it’s a sign the physical grind is catching up to him.
- Value in Defense: Even if his shot isn't falling, watch his "on-off" defensive impact. His ability to disrupt passing lanes is what keeps him in the starting five over guys like GG Jackson or Cam Spencer right now.
The kid is tough. He’s already proven that by coming back from a stretcher-off injury in less than six months. For Memphis to make a deep run in the Western Conference this year, they need Jaylen Wells at full strength, not just "available."
If you are tracking the roster for fantasy or betting, the move right now is to wait for the shooting slump to break. History shows that once Wells finds his rhythm, he tends to stay hot for weeks. But that only happens if the medical staff can keep that hamstring under control.
Keep an eye on the official Grizzlies injury report leading up to the London game on Sunday. That will be the real test of whether the team plans to give him some much-needed maintenance days or keep riding the sophomore standout.