Getty

ictor Wembanyama sits on the floor after a fall during a playoff game that led to his concussion and entry into NBA protocol.

The San Antonio Spurs offered a measured but encouraging update on Victor Wembanyama as the newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year continues his recovery from a concussion suffered earlier in the series.

Victor Wembanyama Injury Update: Spurs See Progress in Concussion Protocol

Following Thursday’s practice, head coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama is progressing through the NBA’s concussion protocol and remains with the team.

“He looks good,” Johnson said. “The update is that he’s following the league’s protocol. He’s progressing and traveling with the team.”

The update comes two days after Wembanyama exited Game 2 against the Portland Trail Blazers following a frightening fall in the second quarter that left him visibly shaken and forced him into the locker room.

Game 2 Collapse Highlights Wembanyama’s Importance

San Antonio appeared poised to take control of the series before Wembanyama’s injury shifted the momentum.

The Spurs built a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter but went cold down the stretch, failing to make a field goal over the final 3:37 as Portland closed on an 11-2 run to secure a 106-103 victory and even the series at 1-1.

Scoot Henderson led the Trail Blazers with 31 points, while Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija and Robert Williams III all made key contributions down the stretch.

Without Wembanyama anchoring the defense, the Spurs struggled to close the game, underscoring his importance on both ends of the floor.

No Timeline Yet for Wembanyama Return

While Johnson’s update suggests positive progress, the Spurs are not placing any timeline on Wembanyama’s return.

“We’ll just kind of keep going through the protocol,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, he continues to progress. It’s pretty straightforward.”

Johnson emphasized that the process is dictated by the league, limiting the team’s ability to project a return date. Wembanyama’s official status for Game 3 is still very much up in the air.

“To my knowledge, we haven’t even had that discussion,” Johnson said. “It’s just the protocol is the protocol. The league is actually who’s at the top of that.”

NBA Concussion Protocol Dictates Next Steps

Wembanyama must complete a series of steps under NBA concussion guidelines before he can return to game action.

Those steps include symptom resolution, light cardio activity, non-contact drills and eventually full-contact practice — with each stage requiring clearance from both team medical staff and league officials.

Johnson acknowledged the structure of the process and why it cannot be rushed.

“I can’t explain the problem, because I probably would be wrong,” Johnson said. “But there’s a series of steps that have to take place, and until this step is passed and cleared by not just the team but the league, the next step cannot begin.”

Travel Status Signals Positive Direction

One encouraging sign is that Wembanyama continues to travel with the team as the series shifts to Portland for Game 3 on Friday.

“He’s in that protocol that the league has set up, and he’s progressing,” Johnson said. “He’ll travel with the team.”

While travel does not necessarily indicate an imminent return, it suggests stability in his recovery and continued involvement with team activities outside of basketball.

Spurs Face Critical Stretch Without Defensive Anchor

Wembanyama’s absence leaves a significant void for San Antonio, particularly on defense, where his presence alters opposing offenses and protects the rim.

With the series now tied and heading on the road, the Spurs will need to adjust quickly while awaiting further clarity on his status.

For now, the focus remains on steady progress — and patience.

Until Wembanyama clears each stage of the concussion protocol, his return will remain uncertain, leaving the Spurs to navigate a critical stretch without their defensive centerpiece.