<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jonathan Bender was virtually a full-time participant for the third consecutive practice Wednesday and believes he'll be ready to come off the injured list soon. He's not making a prediction, though, beyond sticking with his recent estimate of being "close." "I was feeling pretty good out there today," he said. "I need a few more days like that." Bender had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the first week of October, but his return was delayed because his kneecap was out of alignment and was rubbing against a bone. Barring another setback, he could return as early as next week. "He's much further than he was 21/2 weeks ago," Carlisle said. Bender has been wearing a brace on the knee in practice but wants to be able to shed it before going on the active roster. He played well in Wednesday's workout, according to team president Larry Bird, but he was curious to see how he feels this morning. </div> Indianapolis Star
