Washington Wizards new acquisition Ian Mahinmi is expected to miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn medial meniscus, the team said on Saturday, via ESPN's Marc Stein.

The 6-foot-11 center suffered the injury during Thursday's preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Mahinmi is fresh off signing a four-year, $64 million deal to play back-up to starting center Marcin Gortat. That deal made him the second-highest paid player on the roster after Bradley Beal, who is set to make $128 million through the end of the 2020-21 season.

His signing was meant to replace the departure of big man Nene, who signed with the Houston Rockets this offseason.

The 29-year-old has dealt with his fair share of setbacks during his NBA career. For the time being, Gortat will be the man to hold down the fort and the vast majority of minutes until his return in mid-to-late December. Veteran journeyman Jason Smith will have backup duties until Mahinmi returns.

Ian Mahinmi averaged career-highs last season with 9.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game through 71 starts for the Indiana Pacers.