How long is Ben Simmons out? Knee injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Nets star

Ben Simmons is dealing with a knee injury early in the 2022-23 season.

After appearing in the opening six games of the season for Brooklyn, Simmons has been ruled out for two straight games with left knee soreness.

It’s been a slow start for both Simmons and the Nets. Simmons is averaging career-lows of 6.2 points and 6.5 rebounds to go with 7.3 assists, and Brooklyn sits at 2-5 following its win over Indiana on Monday.

What’s next for Simmons? Here’s everything we know about his injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.

What is Ben Simmons’ injury?

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Simmons and the Nets are managing some swelling in his left knee.

“Ben Simmons is coming off of back surgery in May and he has been ramped up over the course of training camp and the early part of this season,” Charania said. “Making sure that you maintain him for the entire season this early in the year, of course, is important, and this is I think a cautious approach for the Nets and Simmons.”

Simmons is officially listed as being out on the injury report with left knee soreness.

Simmons has dealt with a left knee injury in the past. In 2020, he suffered a subluxation of the left patella, which required surgery to remove a loose body inside the knee.

“After consultation with the 76ers medical staff and several specialists, Ben Simmons will undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a loose body in his left knee,” the 76ers said in a team release. “The loose body resulted from a left patella subluxation he suffered in Wednesday’s game against Washington.”

Simmons appeared in 58 of a possible 72 games the following season. He missed a few games with left knee soreness.

How long will Ben Simmons be out?

Simmons was initially questionable for Brooklyn’s game against Indiana on Oct. 31. He was later ruled out.

Ahead of that matchup, Charania reported that Simmons was “likely” to sit out against the Pacers and return the following day against the Bulls, but he has since been ruled out for that contest as well.

Status Report for tonight’s game vs. Chicago pic.twitter.com/ewzGECuu1o

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 1, 2022

It’s currently unclear when Simmons is expected to return for the Nets.

Following their game against the Bulls on Tuesday, the Nets will travel to Washington (Nov. 4), Charlotte (Nov. 5) and Dallas (Nov. 7) for a three-game road trip.