Jeff Greer

@jeffgreer_cj

DeVante Parker is recovering from a preseason foot fracture "on schedule or ahead of schedule," Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said Wednesday.

The star receiver has been on the sidelines and walking around during warmups at Louisville's games, wearing sweatpants and his jersey. He's running and working out again, and he was cleared to wear shoes on both feet two weeks ago.

Parker's initial prognosis was a return 6-8 weeks after Aug. 25 surgery to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

At a six-week recovery pace, Parker would be in line to return to team workouts next week ahead of Louisville's game at Clemson. At seven weeks, he'd rejoin his teammates as they prep for an Oct. 18 home game vs. North Carolina State.

Eight weeks would put him on track to come back during Louisville's idle week between NC State and Florida State (Oct. 30).

Petrino on Wednesday said doctors and trainers will evaluate Parker next week and give Louisville a clearer picture of his status.

"His recovery is going very well," Petrino said.

Parker's return would be a major boost to a struggling Louisville offense, which ranks 62nd in the nation in passing and 47th in passing plays of 10 or more yards.

The 6-foot-3, 208-pound receiver is arguably Louisville's best player on the entire team. He has first-round NFL draft potential, and his big-play ability has been sorely missed by the Cardinals.

"It doesn't affect how we block this or the decisions we made because he's not on the field," Petrino said last week. "He might hide some of that at times because of his ability to make big plays, but it's still not where we need to be."