Report: Bulls PG Derrick Rose cleared to play extended minutes

The Chicago Bulls have cleared point guard Derrick Rose to play extended minutes, according to a report from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

The Chicago Bulls have cleared point guard Derrick Rose to play extended minutes, according to a report from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Rose missed most of the last two seasons due to a pair of knee injuries.

The team's training staff initially held Rose back, the report says, but Rose's minutes have gradually increased during the season.

As Johnson notes, Rose is averaging more minutes per game this month than he did in December and November and recorded a season-high 37 minutes in Saturday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

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The report says that Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has been "given the green light to play Rose more," but that it's unlikely Rose's minutes per game will "increase significantly."

Over 32 games this season, Rose has averaged 18 points, 5.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds.

The Bulls (27-16) host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

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