Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose has been ramping up his rehabilitation exercises over the past few days, but reports on Tuesday indicated that the injured superstar is still not close to returning to the Chicago Bulls.

The Chicago Sun Times reported that Rose was seen testing his surgically-repaired right knee, doing jab steps and backpedalling drills inside the Bulls' practice facility.

But when Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau was asked about Rose's current status, he said that Rose is still not close to making a comeback or close to practicing with the Bulls. Thibodeau added, though, that Rose has been more active over the past several days.

"Basically, about the same, he's doing a little bit more running now. He's still nowhere near ready to practice. But he's doing well. His spirit is strong. His body feels good. Just keep concentrating on the rehab, be a great teammate. That's what he's doing," Thibodeau said.

Rose made his return this season following a one-season layoff due to an ACL injury in his left knee, but the 25-year-old superstar sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee in just his 10th game back this season.

The former NBA Most Valuable Player previously said that he might return later in the season, especially if the Bulls advance to the playoffs, but Thibodeau has consistently shot down Rose returning this season. 

While Thibodeau is not expecting Rose to return to action again this season, the 2011 Coach of the Year is not closing the door on the possibility of Rose joining team practices before the end of the season.

"We'll see where we are at the end of the year if he gets cleared to practice," Thibodeau said. "But there's no timetable on that. Just put everything you have into each and every day with the rehab, get stronger. We want to make sure he's completely healthy before he moves forward."

Rose averaged 15.9 points to go along with 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 10 games with the Bulls before hurting his knee during their 98-95 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in November.