The Bruins got an encouraging sign Monday morning when forward Rich Peverley, who is coming back from a sprained right knee, took part in the team’s morning skate. It was Peverley’s first time participating in a practice with teammates since suffering his injury on Feb. 15, and he could be closing in on a return to the lineup.

“Day-to-day,” coach Claude Julien said of Peverley’s status. “There’s no exact time for when he’s going to start playing again, but he’s looking better every day.”

Peverley began skating on his own last Wednesday. Morning skates are non-contact practices, so taking contact will be the next step in the forward’s recovery.

“He’s progressed since [Wednesday],” Julien said. “When you’ve been off that long, you don’t just come back overnight, so we’re going to give him a chance and wait for our doctors to clear him.”

In 49 games this season, Peverley has nine goals and 29 assists for 38 points.