The Colts still expect Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders to return this weekend and help their depleted secondary even though he sat out Thursday's practice.
Sanders has missed the last four games since having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He was able to do some running on Monday and took part in his first full practice Wednesday.
Sanders said he had some soreness in his knee Thursday, but was hopeful of playing Sunday when the Colts face Denver.
"I got a little work (Wednesday) and it was good to be back. It felt real good. I started off kind of slow, but as the day went on I think I did pretty good," he said. "Give it another day to heal up a little bit more. But I think it will be fine for this weekend."
When asked whether he planned to play Sunday, Sanders answered, "Yeah, definitely."
Coach Tony Dungy said he expected Sanders to practice on Friday.
Sanders will be needed as his replacement, Mike Doss, suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on Sunday against Washington and will miss rest of the season.