Derrick Rose's Rehab 'On Schedule, Maybe Even Slightly Ahead'
(CBS) Bulls point guard Derrick Rose remains on track to return by the end of the regular season, with coach Tom Thibodeau saying Tuesday that he's "on schedule, maybe even slightly ahead."
"It's good, steady progress," Thibodeau said. "As long as he's able to keep moving forward like this, I think it's a real good sign."
Rose was a partial participant in Tuesday's practice, Thibodeau said. He did "a lot of non-contact stuff" and continues to do exercises to strengthen his right knee. Rose had surgery to remove the damaged portion of tissue in a torn right medial meniscus on Feb. 27, with the Bulls giving him a return timetable of four to six weeks, which would have him back sometime between late March and mid-April.
"It's his next phase of rehab, so he's still obviously has to strengthen his knee," Thibodeau said.
Rose has missed Chicago's last 11 games.
Jimmy Butler (hyperextended left elbow) and Taj Gibson (sprained left ankle) were full participants in Tuesday's practice. Butler has missed eight straight games, while Gibson's been out nine games.
Along with Rose, both have been ruled out of Wednesday's home game against the Pacers, but Thibodeau was enthused by their participation.
"This was very good today, so we'll see where they are tomorrow," Thibodeau said.
Added Butler: "I'm getting better. I don't think I'm there quite yet. I want to be, that's for sure, but I can't want rush. I don't want it to get any worse."
Asked if Gibson and Butler could return by week's end, Thibdoeau said, "I'm hopeful, but I don't want to speak until I'm told."
The Bulls host the Raptors on Friday and are on the road against the Pistons on Saturday.
