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Hawks Announce Jalen Johnson Injury Update After Leaving Wizards Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 8:25 PM ET

Atlanta Hawks star Jalen Johnson is in the midst of his best year as a pro. Heading into Tuesday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards, the fifth-year small forward has produced averages of 23.4 points on 49.4% shooting, 10.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.3 steals in 35.8 minutes per contest. The former Duke Blue Devils star is also knocking down 1.6 triples per game on a 34.3% clip.

Unfortunately for Johnson, he was forced to exit Tuesday’s home matchup against the Wizards. The 6-foot-8 forward left the game in the middle of the first quarter. He headed to the locker room, where the team’s medical staff evaluated him for a hip injury.

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) reacts during a game.Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Johnson’s rise this season was one of the biggest reasons behind Atlanta’s decision to part ways with Trae Young. The Hawks sent the four-time All-Star to Washington before the trade deadline. In return, Atlanta received C.J. McCollum, Corey Kispert, and a trade exception.

Young remains out with a right knee sprain. He missed the opportunity to play against his former team for the first time on Tuesday.

While the Young narrative has drawn a lot of attention, it was Johnson who stole the spotlight with his injury — and not in a good way. Shortly after his trip to the locker room, the Hawks announced that Johnson is questionable to return. By the second quarter, the team ruled out the 24-year-old’s return due to a left hip flexor injury.

Jalen Johnson (left hip flexor) will not return to tonight’s game.
— Hawks PR (@HawksPR) February 25, 2026

The Hawks have not revealed the details of Johnson’s injury. At this point, the extent of the issue remains unclear. He will likely undergo tests to determine the same, and Atlanta should provide more information once available.

With Johnson sidelined, more opportunities should come for McCollum, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Zaccharie Risacher and the debuting Jonathan Kuminga could get more minutes off the bench as well.

As for Johnson, his next chance to return will be on Thursday in a rematch against Washington.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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