The Chicago Bulls have been dealing with injuries since the start of the NBA season. However, the most problematic concern in relation to this is Derrick Rose's status in the team. It could be recalled that the Chicago Bulls star underwent surgery for his fractured left orbital bone, which was injured earlier this year during the NBA preseason. While reports of his recovery have begun to surface, Rose once again suffered another injury that happened in the game against the Indiana Pacers, where he reportedly sprained his ankle.

"[Rose] didn't do much in shootaround this morning," disclosed Fred Hoiberg, according to ESPN. The Chicago Bulls head coach went on to say, "Really just tried to get loose, but he's still got quite a bit of soreness in that ankle. The big thing is we don't want to take any chances at this time of year and make it a lingering issue."

Meanwhile, Rose remains uncertain on the healing period of his eyes and ankle. In the same ESPN report, the Chicago Bulls star shared that he does not intend to force himself to play if his body cannot keep up with the pressure. He further noted that his priority is to listen to his body's needs at the moment.

"You kind of have that hope in your mind that it gets well quicker, but for this to be seven or eight (weeks) out and still the same way, I can't do nothing but live with it," said Rose, referring to his recovery period, according to the Chicago Tribune. He went on to say, "It's still blurry when I look certain ways. The depth perception of the rim, my eyes are thrown off. I'm finding ways around it, but there's no excuses. I'm not going to blame anything on it. I just know it's part of the process and something I have to deal with."

The absence of Rose in the prompts Bulls to substitute NBA veteran Kirk Hinrich. As for the basketball star to take on the leadership role, Jimmy Butler is more than capable to step in. Although the young athlete has been quite notable this NBA season, Butler is adamant that there are still ways for him to improve his craft.

"I think I can do better,'' admitted Butler, according to Chicago Sun Times. He added, "I haven't been shooting it from three the last few games like I started off. It's all about taking shots and making them with confidence.''