Derrick Rose is in the process of recovering from the fractured orbital bone he suffered a couple of weeks ago in a Chicago Bulls practice. After Rose underwent surgery, the timetable given for his return was 4-6 weeks, but the Bulls were optimistic that he might be able to make it back for the season opener. Rose has been cleared for some activity, but his status for the Bulls' opening game remains in doubt, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago.
Rose's eye is reportedly still noticeably swollen and he is still having issues with his vision, but the doctors still cleared him for some activity, including getting up some shots and working with the training staff after practice. Rose is still not cleared for contact, but head coach Fred Hoiberg thinks that could be coming either this week or next week.
"Derrick actually got cleared Tuesday to start getting back into some activity. Still won't do any contact for at least the next several days. Don't know exactly how long that will be, but he's cleared to ride the bike and get a sweat going, so I know he's excited about that," said Hoiberg.
Hoiberg all but ruled out Rose for the entire preseason, and he also doesn't seem too optimistic about Rose returning for the regular season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 27. It has been a little more than two weeks since Rose sustained the injury, and the Bulls' first game comes exactly four weeks after, so it would be a big surprise if he plays, as the team to think long-term with him.
Rose was recently fitted for a mask that he will have to wear when he gets back on the court, so he will start to get used to that now before he gets cleared for contact. Hoiberg says that Rose's current focus is getting in shape, as he doesn't think he is able to lift weights just yet. The good news for Bulls fans is it seems like Rose's recovery is on the right track, and even if he does miss the season opener, which seems likely at this point, he shouldn't miss too much time with this injury.
