Derrick Rose's season has already had its injury-related ups and downs.

The Chicago Bulls star seemed ready to finally return to form after missing nearly the last two and a half years of basketball. Instead, it has been more of the same, only the injuries have been minor so far.

Thibs Says Rose Has To 'Get Out There And Play'

Rose has suffered from ankle and hamstring injuries in the early part of the year. He has been on the court for just seven of Chicago's 15 games, and he left some of those early with the aforementioned injuries.

In his latest setback, Rose suffered another hamstring tweak against the Denver Nuggets earlier this week. It was Rose's second game back after missing several games with the original hamstring injury.

Rose has repeatedly said that he is taking his long term future into consideration when he goes through the rehabilitation process and that he will not return until he is ready, which he proved thoroughly while sitting out an entire season despite receiving medical clearance to play. Some segments of the fan base - and possibly some within the organization - are growing restless with the repeated and prolonged absences of the franchise centerpiece.

Westbrook Returning Friday?

Rose recently expressed confidence that he would eventually be healthy enough to remain on the court for a prolonged stretch of games, saying, "You will see. I know I'm going to be all right." He has said that the hamstring feels better, although he is still not sure when he will play next. "If I'm ready to go, I'm ready," said Rose. "If not, just really pay attention to my body, but the plan is I want to play."