Luc Mbah a Moute has been out of the Rockets’ rotation since Dec. 13 after suffering a dislocated shoulder during a win over the Hornets. He’s still a ways off from returning, from the looks of it. He hasn’t been cleared to practice yet, although he has been working out again, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:

“I’m definitely closer to the end than where I was,” Mbah a Moute said. “I’m feeling better, able to start shooting and doing stuff on the court. It’s tough being out, dealing with an injury. “I can’t really guess (about a return date.) I’m regaining strength. The shoulder is healed. Range of motion is getting better. I’m starting to do stuff on the court, getting into basketball shape.”

Before his injury, Mbah a Moute had proven himself to be an important part of Houston’s perimeter defense.