Injured Whitney Practices For Penguins; Return To Lineup Uncertain

Pittsburgh, Penn. (AHN) - For the first time this season, Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney joined his teammates for a limited practice Friday.

Whitney underwent foot surgery in the summer and had gone through more than three months of rehab, along with a month of skating with a trainer before he was cleared to practice with his team. The practice did not include hard hits or rough drills.

Whitney, 25, and in his third season, hasn't handled a puck for more than five months but looks to be back on track to regaining his coordination and confidence.

Even with his return to basic practice, the player himself and doctors say Whitney is still not ready for the physicality of the game or severe hits. His return to the team for games is yet unknown.

Whitney said he does not want to get his hopes up but indicated the end of December as a possible return to the team and the lineup.

Whitney had off-season surgery on two areas of his left foot following a few seasons of severe discomfort. He was born with high-arched feet and the problem was compounded.

Even without Whitney, the Pittsburgh seems to be holding its own with 27 points, only three points behind the red-hot New York Rangers in the Atlantic Division.

Whitney was crucial on defense for a Penguin team that made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals last year before losing to Detroit 4-2.