CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose has been cleared for more activity as he continues to recover from a broken left eye socket, according to coach Fred Hoiberg.
After saying Tuesday that Rose would "most likely" be out for the entire preseason and expressing doubt about whether Rose would be ready for the regular-season opener on Oct. 27 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hoiberg said Rose has been cleared for more physical activity.
"Derrick actually got cleared [Tuesday] to start getting back into some activity," Hoiberg said Wednesday. "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."
Rose got up a couple of shots and did some work with the Bulls' training staff after practice. Hoiberg noted that Rose, who has been fitted for a mask that he will wear when he returns, still has some problems around his eye.
"He's still got some swelling in it," Hoiberg said. "Still got some issues a little bit with his vision. But I think just the fact that he can start getting back to activity is huge for him. It's big for his confidence. He got the mask fitted [Tuesday] so he'll be able to start getting used to that. So hopefully we'll get him back on the practice court here soon."
Hoiberg is just happy that Rose is back on the floor, even if he won't be taking contact yet.
"It's just conditioning right now," Hoiberg said. "I don't think he can do any weightlifting at this time. It's just really to get a sweat going, get his legs moving a little bit."
In other injury-related news, forward Taj Gibson is expected to make his preseason debut Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons after having ankle surgery over the summer.
"I feel pretty good," Gibson said. "I’m having a lot of fun this past week with my teammates, my rookies. Just looking to go out there and have fun. Just try to get back in shape. Just blow it out, however many minutes they give me. Just looking forward to being on the court with the guys again and having fun."
Backup guard Kirk Hinrich will sit out Wednesday's game because of a foot injury. Center Joakim Noah is expected to return after missing the past two preseason games because of knee stiffness.