CHICAGO -- Taj Gibson isn't the only Bulls rookie who should see more minutes in Tyrus Thomas' absence. James Johnson, the team's other first-round draft pick, is likely to get a chance to contribute as well.

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AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Rookie James Johnson may see increased playing time in the absence of Tyrus Thomas.

The Wake Forest alum has been stuck on the bench for most of the early part of the season, but Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro has suggested Johnson may finally get a chance to show what he can do.

"I'm going to see how the game goes," Del Negro said. "We're a little short on bodies, so this is a good opportunity for James. When his number's called, he's been working out well. But practice and games are two different animals. But you got to get him out there and see what he can do."

Johnson hopes he'll get some extended minutes now that the Bulls are down to just 10 healthy bodies.

"I've been working for it," Johnson said. "But if they feel comfortable putting me in, then I'm going to have positive minutes and work my minutes as best I can. But if not, I'm going to cheer for my team and keep working hard."

Sign of the times? Del Negro was noncommittal when asked whether the team would sign another player to take Thomas' spot on the roster, but didn't rule out the possibility.

"We're talking about that right now," Del Negro said. "Gar [Forman], [John Paxson] and myself. We want to focus in on tonight's game and then we got a couple days until we play again. We're in discussions about that, yes."

Texting with Tyrus: Thomas' surgery to repair his broken forearm went well, Del Negro said. The coach even snuck in a few texts with his fourth-year forward after the surgery.

"He needs some rest and he's a little drugged up right now," Del Negro said. "He's had a long day, but everything went well and now it's just a matter of getting some rest and seeing how he feels. He gets re-evaluated, I believe, on Tuesday."

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