By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 4, 2007

Forward Darius Songaila has been cleared to perform light shooting drills and continues to make slow, steady progress after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back on Nov. 2.

The Wizards have not established a firm timetable for Songaila's return but a team source indicated that he likely won't begin practicing until after the all-star break.

Songaila is still limited to non-contact drills but has been able to do conditioning work. "I'm just doing a little bit more every day," Songaila said. "So far, so good."

The Wizards are still waiting for injured center Etan Thomas, who missed his 11th straight game with a left ankle sprain. Thomas, who averaged 7.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in 21.4 minutes as a starter in the first 20 games, could return by the end of the week.

Coach Eddie Jordan has not indicated whether Thomas would return as a starter or come off the bench behind Brendan Haywood, who made his 10th start against the Bucks last night.

Forward Michael Ruffin, who missed his 21st straight game with a sprained right foot, continues to wear a walking boot to and from Verizon Center and has been limited to work on a stationary bike. The team has not set a timetable for Ruffin's return.

The Wizards and Bucks play once more, April 1 at Milwaukee. The series has been competitive: Neither team has swept the season series since the Bullets won all four meetings during the 1974-75 season.