Derrick Rose's Back Checks Out OK

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Feb 14, 2012 5:40PM

With the words "I just know my back is not right," Derrick Rose spoke the worst fears of all Bulls fans to reporters Sunday. as the team approached the midpoint of a season going so well.

Those ominous words suggested Rose believed his back injury might be serious. The Bulls have weathered various ailments that have kept most of their key players out of games this season, yet possess the league's best record anyway. Rose had sat out the last two games, and played just 32 minutes combined in the two games prior to that. The Bulls won three of the four, all the victories by at least 20 points. But losing D-Rose for an extended period of time would no doubt hurt the Bulls chances to keep playing at the highest levels and compete for an NBA crown come June.

On Monday, Rose had an MRI performed on his ailing back, and the reports were positive. What had initially been diagnosed as back spasms is in fact a muscular injury, and not a more serious structural one that could require surgery. Rose will continue treatment that includes massages, electrical stimulation and rest. No timetable has been set for his return to the line-up but Bulls fans can exhale now that we know the injury isn't too serious.

"When we all feel he feels well enough to play, he'll be back out there," Bulls GM Gar Forman said after the tests. "He could respond overnight. It could be a couple days. When it's muscular, you don't know. But this is positive." Officially, Rose is classified as "day-to-day."

The Bulls have an extended home stand heading into the All-Star break, so perhaps the lack of travel and access to the team's facilities will get him back on the court sooner rather than later. Bulls fans would love to see Rose be able to suit up for the All-Star game on Feb. 26.