The Chicago Bulls have been guarded with releasing information about the recovery of Derrick Rose from the torn ACL in his left knee.

Rose appears set to return at some point in the coming weeks, especially considering his seemingly improved mood.

"We're not trying to be evasive," general manager Gar Forman said Monday. "We just have stayed true to the process of taking things step by step, knowing we have to get him back to 100 percent. Once he's at 100 percent and cleared medically, he'll be ready to play. We're optimistic that he'll be back at some point this season."

Many outsider estimates suggest a return late in February or in early March.

"He's right on schedule with where we thought he would be," Forman said. "This next step is what he's doing on the floor. As soon as he has completed that step satisfactorily we'll move on to the next step, which will be full practices with full contact for a length of time."