There is a glimmer of hope that Georgia Tech sophomore forward Robert Carter could return before the end of the season. Carter, who tore the meniscus in his left knee Dec. 29, will be tested this week to see if he will be put on a rehabilitation schedule to get him ready to play this season.

“He’s progressing well,” coach Brian Gregory said.

A decision will be made on Wednesday by Carter and team doctors, Gregory said, based on the pain, swelling and the strength of the knee cartilage, which was surgically repaired three weeks ago. At the time of the operation, Gregory said it was “very doubtful” that Carter would return before season’s end.

“That kid wants to get out there right now,” Gregory said of Carter. “All stuff like that, we’ll make sure it’s what’s best for the kid.”

Carter was averaging 10.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game at the time of the injury, suffered in Tech’s win over Charlotte. Without Carter, Tech has had difficulty defending and rebounding. In the Yellow Jackets’ 80-78 overtime loss to N.C. State Sunday in Raleigh, N.C., the Wolfpack made 53.3 percent of their shots. Going into Monday’s games, they were one of three ACC teams to record their season high in field-goal percentage in a league game against Tech.

Because of the number of games Carter has already played this year, 13, he is not eligible for a medical redshirt.