Wolves lose Webster for 4-6 weeks

Jerry Zgoda will jump on the blog later this afternoon, but for news on this story, go here.

UPDATED MONDAY EVENING:

Not that long ago, the Timberwolves had almost an overabundance of wing players.

Now...?

Martell Webster on Monday morning underwent a surgical prodecure to correct a back disc that has been causing him pain and Wes Johnson continues to nurse a hamstring injury that has bothered him since July.

The Wolves didn't set a timetable for Webster's return, but the microdiscectomy operation he underwent typically requires four to six weeks recovery, which likely is an ambitious timeframe for him to return to full health and full speed on the court.

Kurt Rambis lamented the development because Webster had done "such a great job" in preseason games coming off the bench, a job Rambis prefers for Webster because he likes the "energy and production" Webster provides at shooting guard and small forward.

That team's roster for opening night was finalized late this afternoon.

For now, they'll carry the limit of 15 players, which means the last player in is former Michigan State guard Maurice Ager.

Both Johnson and backup point guard Sebastian Telfair participated in much of Monday's practice -- Telfair practiced a bit more than Johnson -- and they'll be reevaluted Tuesday to see how they feel.

On Sunday, both said they will play against the Kings Wednesday night.

If Telfair can't play because of a sprained shoulder, it'll cause some problems for the Wolves, who would have only Wayne Ellington and/or Ager to call upon as a backup to starter Luke Ridnour.