ABC has released the stills for Grey’s Anatomy episode 9×11 “The End is the Beginning is the End” which show Derek Shepherd on the road to recovery after the surgery on his hand.

The last time we saw Seattle Grace in episode 9×09 “Run, Baby, Run,” Derek was undergoing surgery to get nerves transplanted from his sister Lizzie. Derek had just woken up from his surgery when Meredith was heading off to Bailey’s wedding. Tonight’s episode 9×10 “Things We Said Today” will pickup where we left of with the wedding still going on. These stills from episode 9×11 “The End is the Beginning is the End” is the first look at how Derek is recovering after the surgery. And it looks as though his career as surgeon may not be over after all.

Episode synopsis:

“The End is the Beginning is the End” – Meredith, Derek, Cristina and Arizona receive big news regarding the plane crash lawsuit, Richard avoids Catherine’s romantic advances and Jackson takes on one of Mark Sloane’s old patients. Meanwhile, Derek begins recovery on his hand, on “Grey’s Anatomy,” THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“Grey’s Anatomy” stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Eric Dane as Mark Sloan, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins, Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery and Sarah Drew as April Kepner.

Guest cast TBD.

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TV Guide also posted exclusive stills revealing that Derek will use ping pong as a form of physical therapy on his hand. The unusual form of therapy was Callie’s idea and enlists the help of intern Shane. But she wasn’t expecting the game to turn into an intense match!

When do you think Derek will be back in surgery?

Photo credit: ABC/DANNY FELD