INDIANAPOLIS — A significant influx of players made their returns to the practice field for the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday.
But perhaps none of the returnees were as notable as Mark Glowinski.
The Colts' starting right guard, Glowinski suffered an ankle injury two weeks ago in the team's victory against the Houston Texans. Although he made an attempt to get back onto the field that day, he would eventually be held out the rest of the game, as well as last Sunday's victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
With Glowinski out of the lineup, the team turned to third-year veteran Joe Haeg to get the start at right guard against Dallas. Haeg turned in a solid performance, especially against the run, as he would help lead the way for running back Marlon Mack's career day — 27 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns — as the Colts would shutout the visiting Cowboys, 23-0, to improve to 8-6 and keep Indy squarely in the hunt for a postseason spot.
Glowinski getting his way back to the practice field on Thursday (he did not practice on Wednesday) is another positive sign for a much-improved Colts offensive line,. Last Sunday, the team saw the return of starting center Ryan Kelly, who had missed the previous three games with a knee injury.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the Colts allowed zero sacks on the afternoon; it's the sixth time this season quarterback Andrew Luck has gone an entire game without being sacked, a figure which is tops in the NFL.
Four others return; five out
Four other players made their returns to practice on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session: tight end Eric Ebron (quad), defensive tackle Margus Hunt (foot), wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (shoulder) and defensive end Jabaal Sheard (ribs).
Those who remained out on Thursday: wide receiver safety Clayton Geathers (knee), T.Y. Hilton (ankle), safety George Odum (knee) and linebacker Anthony Walker (shoulder). Wide receiver Zach Pascal (knee) was also out for the first time this week on Thursday.
Injury report
Here's Thursday's full practice report:
» DNP: S Clayton Geathers (knee); WR T.Y. Hilton (ankle); S George Odum (knee); WR Zach Pascal (knee); LB Anthony Walker (shoulder)
» Limited: G Mark Glowinski (ankle); S Malik Hooker (hip); DT Margus Hunt (foot); WR Dontrelle Inman (shoulder); S Mike MItchell (calf); CB Kenny Moore II (shin)
» Full: TE Eric Ebron (quad); DE Jabaal Sheard (ribs); CB Quincy Wilson (elbow)
