Derrick Rose says return will likely be this week

With speculation ramping up regarding Derrick Rose's return to the floor from a torn meniscus, the man himself says it will probably happen this week.

Rose told ESPN's Lisa Salters during the broadcast of Sunday's Bulls-Cavaliers game that he will likely return this week.

His head coach, Tom Thibodeau, said earlier Sunday that Rose remains on course for a return prior to playoff action.

"Everything is going according to plan," Thibodeau said, according to Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick. 

Thibodeau went on to say that he's hopeful Rose - who went through a full-contact practice without issue on Monday - will be able to return soon. 

"Ideally, the sooner, the better," Thibodeau said, "but he's got to be comfortable enough to play.

"Only he knows his body," he added. "He’s got to continue to work through it. I trust him. When he says he’s ready, he’s ready."

Though Thibodeau admitted that being cleared for contact won't mean Rose is cleared to play.

In terms of what the Bulls hope to get out of Rose if and when he does return, Thibodeau said, "We don't expect him to be great. ... Just run the team."

The Bulls embark on a back-to-back in Florida against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat starting on Wednesday. It's virtually impossible Rose will play in both, but one is likely. Chicago returns home to play the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.