The New York Knicks have a roster that looks like a hospital ward, with several players currently unavailable to play. But at least one key Knicks piece in the form of RJ Barrett is about to make his return from a five-game absence, as the former Duke Blue Devils star has been activated from the health and safety protocols list, according to the Twitter account of New York's public relations department.

RJ Barrett has been cleared from health and safety protocols and rejoined the team. Grimes, Knox, McBride, Noel and Quickley remain in health and safety protocols.

During Barrett's absence, the Knicks have been able to win just two games, though they were able to win their most recent outing, beating the Detroit Pistons at home last Tuesday to the tune of a 105-91 score.

The soonest Barrett can take the floor with the Knicks will be Thursday night against the visiting Washington Wizards.

Barrett will provide New York with a much-needed boost. On the season, Barrett is second on the team with 15.1 points per game to go with 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per outing.

Hopefully for the Knicks, Barrett will find his rhythm right away. He's not been shooting the ball well this season, making just 40.2 percent of his shots from the field and 35.3 percent from deep. In any case, his return is a welcome development for the 14-17 Knicks.