BOSTON -- Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said Wednesday that injured point guard Rajon Rondo has begun participating in contact drills but is still relegated to wearing a large pad on his left hand in order to do so.

"He's progressing well," Stevens said. "He'll continue to do a little bit more in practice. Did a little bit more yesterday. Anytime that it's even close to a contact-esque drill that he's been allowed to do, he has a nice-sized pad on his hand. Still not fully fully good to go but certainly working that way."

In speaking with reporters at the Celtics practice facility Monday, Rondo said he had yet to begin practicing with contact. He noted that his hand felt fine dribbling and catching the ball but expressed skepticism toward how it would feel hitting the floor or making contact with other players on a regular basis.

He also said he wasn't looking to target the season opener Oct. 29 against the Brooklyn Nets as his goal to return, choosing to focus on the health of his hand instead.

Stevens mentioned Monday that there's a possibility Rondo could be available for opening night.

Rondo is less than four weeks removed from undergoing a surgical fixation of a left metacarpal fracture. The team initially estimated Rondo's recovery time as six to eight weeks.