It's only been about six weeks since he broke his leg on the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, but Harrison Ford appears to have already made great strides in his recovery.

A Broken Leg 'Won't Stop' Harrison Ford?

The 72-year-old actor, who is reprising his role of Han Solo in the film, was spotted in Santa Monica on July 28 without either a cast on his foot, or the hands-free crutch he has been using to get around-a sure sign that he could soon be returning to work.

With just a small bandage wrapped around his ankle, Ford was spotted boarding his personal helicopter.

Harrison Ford Refuses Assistance While Recovering

It's the first time he has been seen without a full cast or any assisting aids since his injury, though he has reportedly been refusing the help of others throughout his recovery process, and was often photographed maneuvering around on his own  by using his crutch if necessary.

His co-stars on the film have also spoken out about his recovery, talking about his determination to recover quickly and get back to work.

While walking the red carpet for the U.K. premiere of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy July 25, Ford's Star Wars: Episode VII co-star Mark Hamill talked about the June accident that sent the 72-year-old actor to a London hospital.

"I was not on set. It was really terrible, but I hear he's doing really well," Hamill told the BBC. "It will take more than that to stop Harrison Ford."

Ford broke his leg on June 12 after a door from his character's Millennium Falcon spaceship fell on him. And though rumors of his being replaced in an as-of-yet-unconfirmed Indiana Jones 5 had previously been debunked, his injury sparked a whole new round of rumors that he wouldn't be returning for the franchise should a fifth film be made.

The most persistent rumor of Ford being replaced has involved Twilight star Robert Pattinson, who was reportedly being tapped for the role not only because he was younger, but because he was believed to be more marketable to a teenaged audience.

"Disney is looking at its long-term options for the Indiana Jones franchise," the original rumors stated. "They felt that the series has huge potential on so many levels, starting with the films leading to other spin-offs like games which can generate more money than movies."

However, Pattinson had debunked the rumors himself, telling reporters at a red-carpet event for his film The Rover around the time of Ford's accident that Disney hadn't even approached him about the opportunity.

"I don't know why. Why is that coming out?" he asked when a reporter questioned him about playing the whip-cracking adventurer. "I honestly don't understand what it's all about. Man, I wish!"

Tags: Indiana Jones 5 Disney Movies