Hawks Announce Trae Young News After 22 Missed Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 5:21 PM ET

The last time Trae Young saw action for the Atlanta Hawks was on Oct. 29 against the Brooklyn Nets. The four-time All-Star sprained the MCL in his right knee during that game and has since been working his way back to full strength.

On Tuesday, the Hawks assigned Young to their NBA G League affiliate team, the College Park Skyhawks, as he returned to practice. Atlanta recalled him on Wednesday prior to making an announcement about his status for Thursday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.

At this point, it is clear that Young is inching closer to his highly anticipated return to action.

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) during an NBA game. © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Now in his eighth season with the Hawks, Young has been limited to just five games thus far. During that brief stretch, the 6-foot-2 point guard has produced averages of 17.8 points on 37.1% shooting, 2.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists. Young has struggled from distance to start the new NBA season, connecting on just 1.0 triple per game on a 19.2% clip.

The good news for Young is that he’s finally getting closer to his much-awaited comeback. The Hawks announced on Wednesday that they have upgraded the 27-year-old’s status for their next game. Young is officially questionable to play against the Hornets on Thursday.

An @emoryhealthcare injury report for tomorrow’s game at Charlotte:

Trae Young (right knee MCL sprain): Questionable

Kristaps Porzingis (illness): Out pic.twitter.com/oI0UigUJeK
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 17, 2025

There is still a big chance that Young sits out on Thursday and misses his 23rd straight game for the Hawks. However, the fact that he’s now being listed as questionable — as opposed to just being ruled out entirely — is a step in the right direction for the former Oklahoma Sooners star.

If Young does end up being ruled out against Charlotte, his next chance to return would be on Friday. The Hawks play twice in two nights, facing Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs at home on Friday.

Atlanta is currently 15-12 on the season and is ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference.

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

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