Report: Russell Westbrook could return within two weeks

There have been some rumblings in Oklahoma City that Russell Westbrook is ahead of schedule and could return early, and those suspicions seem to have been confirmed.

Via Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

Oklahoma Thunder star Russell Westbrook has made significant progress in his recovery from a second surgical procedure on his knee and could return to the Thunder’s lineup within two weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The Thunder issued an original timetable of six to eight weeks from Wednesday’s opening night for Westbrook, but barring an unforeseen setback he could be back in the lineup by mid-November.

Westbrook began participating in Thunder practice sessions and has impressed everyone with his explosion and fast return to form, sources said.

Westbrook’s timetable was actually 4-6 weeks from the beginning of the season, but it appears he may be able to return sooner than later. From what I’ve heard, there’s very little chance he’ll require the full six weeks. The Thunder have played things very close to the vest with Westbrook and are erring on caution with everything, but it appears he is close to ready.

And if Russell Westbrook is ready to play, you probably aren’t keeping him off the floor.

Westbrook return to practice last week, at least partially so, and evidently has looked every bit of his old self.

“Oh, man. Russell today…” Reggie Jackson said last week. “It’s actually funny. My brother and his brother talk a little before games. His brother told mine that Russell’s probably bouncing better than ever. I had to see it to believe it. One of the dunks (today), he went up and looked like the old Russell, plus some, head at the rim. We’ll be happy when he gets back fully healthy, but it’s good to see him with a smile on his face, being about the team, bouncing back and happy to be back on the court.”

So circle Nov. 10 against the Wizards. That could be the night Russell returns.