Ingram ramping up at Clippers practice, return still ‘a while’ away; Beal without timetable

Tyronn Lue said Brandon Ingram is increasing his practice activity with the LA Clippers, but the coach made clear Tuesday that a return remains some distance away. Bradley Beal’s right knee rehab is progressing without a timetable, according to reports.

“He’s been increasing, he’s been ramping up,” Lue said of Ingram. “He’s doing a lot more, so just seeing him on the floor, that’s a good sign. It’s going to still take some time, it’s going to be a while, but just seeing him on the floor being able to do certain things has been good to see.”

Beal is nearly fully recovered from his hip injury, but dealt with inflammation in his right knee while ramping up during the offseason. “He’s been getting better. Rehab is going pretty good so we’ll see where he’s at,” Lue said. “We don’t know the timetable, just basically making sure he feels good before he steps on the floor.”

Practice progress is not a return date

Lue’s update describes a practice ramp-up, not clearance. Neither Ingram nor Beal has a confirmed return date, and the Clippers are also without Max Strus, Jordan Miller, Kobe Sanders and Yanic Konan Niederhauser a week before the regular season, according to the report. Strus tore his plantar fascia five minutes into the first preseason game against Golden State and is expected to be re-evaluated in about three weeks.

The Clippers open the regular season October 21 at home against the Sacramento Kings, with Darius Garland and Rui Hachimura expected to carry larger roles while the injured group works back.