Derrick Rose underwent the "next step" in his recovery from a torn ACL -- clearance for full contact drills in Chicago Bulls practice.

"He’s been cleared for more contact so we went to the next step today," coach Tom Thibodeau said on Tuesday following a light film and shooting session at the Berto Center.

Rose went in games against teammates, most likely 3-on-3 matches. Still, all signs point to Rose returning to the court sometime after the All-Star break.

"It’s going to be awhile," Thibodeau said. "It’s the next step in his rehab. Everyone has to be patient. He’s doing fine. He’s playing more, practicing more. We want him to concentrate on his rehab. We want the team to continue concentrating on improvement and the next opponent. Nothing has changed."