The Minnesota Timberwolves have recalled small forward Robert Covington from the G-League, a sign he's close to making his return to the lineup.

Covington has been out since Jan. 2 with a bruised right knee. The swingman suffered the injury on Dec. 31 against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Timberwolves sent Covington down to the G-League to get more practice time in and it appears his knee responded well.

Minnesota has already ruled Covington out for Sunday's game against the Washington Wizards.

In 22 games with the Timberwolves, Covington is averaging 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 43.3 percent from the field, 37.2 percent from beyond the arc, and 77.3 percent from the free-throw line. Minnesota acquired the Chicago native from the Philadelphia 76ers in the Jimmy Butler trade back in November.

The Timberwolves are four and a half games back of the San Antonio Spurs for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. If the team has any hope of making a late season playoff push, they will need Covington back in the fold. RoCo is the team's best perimeter defender and is a good 3-pointer shooter as well.

Minnesota is currently on a two-game losing streak. They will look to snap it on Sunday against the Wizards.