Because the Colts played on Thursday night last week, they were without several key players due to injury, but the good news is that they've had a couple of days off to recover and the injury update today is encouraging: the Colts expect the injured guys back at practice shortly.
Starting left guard Jack Mewhort (ankle) returned to practice today, Chuck Pagano said, and he's "back." Nickel cornerback Darius Butler (ankle) and starting right guard Hugh Thornton (back) did not practice today, but Pagano expects both of them back at practice on Wednesday (the Colts have their normal off day on Tuesday). Starting defensive end Arthur Jones (ankle), who has missed the last four games with a high ankle sprain, will hopefully be back at practice on Thursday.
"We're hopeful," Pagano said today regarding Jones' return to practice this week. "He's as close as he's ever been, so we're hopeful that he'll be able to get out there at least by Thursday, keeping our fingers crossed."
It seems like it has been a while, but today's news regarding injuries is very encouraging. Keep in mind that just because a player returns to practice doesn't necessarily mean he'll be ready for a game (I'm speaking specifically about Jones here), but it's good news regardless and is a sign that it's close. With the Bengals coming to town on Sunday, the Colts could use their injured players back.
The team had an actual practice today (on a Monday) because of their weekend off. "We needed to do something," Pagano said. "It was good for the coaches get back on the field and kind of remember what is what like to coach, guys to run routes, catch and throw. It was good. Much-needed break, good timing. It's good to be back."
It's even better that some of the injured players are either back or expected back at practice this week.