Wolves guard Chase Budinger -- out all season so far because of that second knee surgery in 11 months -- has been cleared to participate in contact practices, starting tomorrow, the team announced today.

Still uncertain is how much practice he will need before he is cleared to play in a game.

You can be sure the Wolves will be conservative with him after he needed that second surgery to resolve his torn meniscus issue.

The Timberwolves are at home tonight against the Trail Blazers.