Beal to start Wizards' preseason opener after clearing concussion protocol

Encouraging news for the Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal, as the oft-injured shooting guard is slated to start the team's preseason opener against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, head coach Scott Brooks told CSN's J. Michael.

Beal suffered a mild concussion after taking an elbow to the head from teammate Ian Mahinmi during a training-camp practice last week. He was cleared to return to basketball activities after passing concussion protocol on Friday.

Related: Beal tired of injury criticism

The 23-year-old signed a five-year, $128-million max contract extension with the Wizards this summer. He has the game to earn that deal (and then some), but whether he'll be able to stay on the floor is another matter. Thanks largely to inveterate leg injuries, Beal has missed 81 games through his first four NBA seasons.

Last season he averaged career-highs with 17.4 points and a 54.7 true shooting percentage and also posted a career-best 15.5 PER, but suited up for just 55 games.