Jaylen Wells injury update: Grizzlies rookie alert, talking after scary fall vs Hornets

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Memphis Grizzlies players and coaches huddled together for a prayer inside a silent Spectrum Center Arena on Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets after rookie forward Jaylen Wells was injured on a scary fall under the basket.

On a breakaway dunk, Wells was chased from behind and undercut by a Hornets player before falling to the floor. A stretcher was called as the Grizzlies' medical team and EMTs responded. Wells was eventually taken off the floor on a stretcher and taken to a hospital.

A Flagrant 2 foul was called, resulting in the ejection of Hornets guard KJ Simpson.

Play was paused for more than 20 minutes. After Wells was taken to the hospital, both teams were allowed to warmup until another ambulance arrived at the facility.

Jaylen Wells injury update

After being taken to the hospital, Wells was alert and talking, his father Fred Wells told The Commercial Appeal. He said his son wanted to know the score of the Grizzlies game.

"He has a swollen wrist," Fred Wells shared in a text message to The Commercial Appeal. "Face, jaw and back pain. Prob concussion. We are waiting for X-rays to get done!!"

Wells has been one of the Grizzlies' most durable players. He's participated in all 79 games to date, including 74 starts. He has been one of the NBA's top rookies, entering Tuesday averaging 10.5 points per game.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.