Howell, a 6-8, 255-pound forward, injured his knee during an on-court workout at the end of September, he said. By his own estimation, he's about 75 percent.
"It's getting a lot better," Howell said. "My rehab is going quicker than expected."
The rehab will take about five weeks, Lowe said, which would keep Howell out of the Nov. 12 opener against Georgia State and likely the first few weeks of the season while he returns to practice and gets back up to speed.
"I'll be fine," Howell said. "When the season really gets serious, I think I'll be fine."
Hope you're ready, DeShawn Painter.