If he's still wearing a hefty mitt, I'd still put long odds on him being back on opening night. We're talking less than a week ago.
I still think there is absolutely no need to rush him back although its great to hear his recovery is coming along and there hasn't been any setbacks. That's huge.
I say that if the doctors clear him, I want to see him out there. The sooner he gets back, the better it is for this team's chances of a successful season.
If he can be out there from game one or very close to it, we have a much better chance of developing the kind of chemistry and cohesion that we'll need to be a competitive team.
Is he gonna get cleared in time for opening night, though?
He injured himself on Sept 26th. The original recovery was spouted at 6-8 weeks. Recent history & research seems to illustrate a time frame in line with that. More closer to the 6 week mark than the 8 week mark, though.
That would peg him for an early to mid November comeback. Season opens up on Oct 29th. I just don't see him being there on opening night and he probably won't get clearance to before then. That's my hunch.
Coming back in early to mid November is still going to give him well over 70 games to establish chemistry & cohesion with this team.