Horford Participates In Non-Contact Drills, But Return Remains Unknown
BOSTON (CBS) -- There is some good news on the Celtics front, as Al Horford appears to be inching towards a return.
The Boston big man, sidelined since last Monday with a concussion, took part in some non-contact activities at practice on Thursday. Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said he doubts Horford will play Friday night when Boston hosts the New York Knicks, but any progress is a welcome sign for the C's.
"He did some light stuff with us, so he was cleared to go through some of it. We didn't do anything contact, physical, competitive, so I don't know where that puts him in the protocol," Stevens told reporters, according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg. "I haven't gotten the update of what's next. But he is progressing. He's feeling a lot better."
Horford suffered the concussion in practice last week, and as of Wednesday, had not made any progress in the NBA's concussion protocol. Before returning from a concussion, the league's policy states that a player must show no symptoms when at rest. Once they pass that portion, the player must complete a number of athletic tasks (including non-contact drills) without symptoms. If they pass all of those stages, the player then must receive clearance from the team's physician.
There's still no word on when Horford could return to game action, but Thursday's news is a baby step in the right direction. Horford has now missed four games this season, his first with Boston after signing a four-year, $113 million contract during the offseason.
