Crosby said he has been pleased with his recent progression.
"I think, just to get on the ice with the guys yesterday, regardless of anything, I think that's a good step," Crosby said. "It's encouraging. It's fun to get out there with them. So, I think as you get closer and kind of go through that stuff, it gets you excited."
Following the Oct. 7 practice, Crosby said he planned to play in Pittsburgh's final preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets the next day after missing Pittsburgh's previous five when captaining Team Canada in the World Cup of Hockey 2016. However, he informed Penguins doctors he awoke with a headache on Oct. 8, and was not in the lineup.
Crosby took part in the Penguins Fan Fest event at PPG Paints Arena on Oct. 9 before missing their Oct. 10 practice when he had concussion testing. Pittsburgh general manager Jim Rutherford later announced Crosby had a concussion.
He skated on his own Oct. 11 and again Oct. 12, and concluded the second session by walking from one rink at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex to the main rink, grabbing a different stick and joining his teammates for practice.
Crosby's participation was limited that day; he donned a yellow no-contact jersey and participated in several line rushes.
After practicing once, Crosby routinely skated alone over the following week. Sullivan explained that Crosby felt skating sessions were more beneficial than being limited during a team practice.
Sullivan listed Crosby as day-to-day each day during his recovery.
While he attempted to remain optimistic throughout, Crosby was also realistic.
"I don't think you ever know [how severe a concussion is]," he said. "It's kind of each person, or each time, it can be different. So having gone through it before, I was probably a little more understanding and patient with the whole process. That helps probably a little bit. But the fact that I was able to get out there with the team yesterday, I think that gives you a bit of a boost too."
Crosby helped the Penguins win the 2016 Stanley Cup by scoring 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 24 games during the playoffs, and he was named winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy. Four months later, he helped Team Canada win the World Cup and was named the tournament's most valuable player after scoring 10 points in six games.
Despite his concussion history, Crosby said he didn't panic when informed of the injury.
"They happen," Crosby said. "It's part of the game. I think there are guys who have had them before. It's been a long time since I've had to deal with that myself. It's not something you want to hear, but I think you just have to approach it the right way and kind of trust the process."