The Penguins superstar was cleared for physical contact on Tuesday, but he was also quick to note that there still isn't a clear timetable for his return from lingering concussion issues.
"I was cleared to do contact," Crosby declared at Penguins practice Tuesday, according to NHL.com. "There is no real timetable, but it's a good step. Hopefully, I can keep the momentum and get out there soon.
"I've been through this before. Contact is the big step. It's nice to be symptom-free, but it's not as fulfilling until you get out there. I just want to make sure that I can take the right steps here and get back out there soon."
While Crosby wasn't willing to commit to any sort of timetable or definitive return date just yet, there is a chance that he's back very soon. He could be back as early Sunday against the Bruins, but Crosby will need a couple of successful days for that to be possible.
"I'll give myself days with contact. We have two more practices this week. No sooner than Sunday, I would say, but I'm not going to sit here and put a date on it. It would be total guesswork. I just want to make sure I get through these days fine and that would be a great decision to make if I get to that point."
Crosby has battled a concussion for more than a year now, after he was originally concussed during the 2011 Winter Classic on New Year's Day last season. He didn't return until Nov. 21 of this season and played in just eight games before being held out again. He was diagnosed with a neck injury in January that was attributed for his latest round of concussion-like symptoms.
Coincidentally, Crosby hasn't played since the Penguins hosted the Bruins on Dec. 5.
