Published: August 13, 2006 11:57 pm         

Bob Sanders returns to practice

Safety Bob Sanders returned to the practice field Sunday evening at Rose-Hulman for the first time since the start of Indianapolis Colts training camp.

Sanders, who had surgery this past spring to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, is not expected to be available for next Sunday’s preseason home opener with Seattle.

“Man, I feel great. I’m excited to get back out there, running around. I did a little bit extra running after practice just to make sure I’m ready,” he said. “Going in pads and doing a lot of back-to-back stuff was kind of tough.”

Sanders still isn’t sure when he will be able to play in a game.

“We’re thinking third game. I’m not exactly sure how much I’ll play. But I’m just excited to be back and everything’s great,” he said.

Coach Tony Dungy was a little more optimistic when Sanders and safety Mike Doss might be available to return to the starting lineup on a full-time basis. Doss returned to practice Saturday morning after being sidelined with a strained calf.

“We’ll see how they do. We’ve got a long week and we’ll have a chance to get some work. We’re obviously not going to rush them back. We’ll see. We’ll probably have a better idea about Friday,” he said.

n Stokley hurt — Wide receiver Brandon Stokley suffered an apparent lower leg injury Sunday night after falling awkwardly in the back of the end zone as he attempted to catch a pass from quarterback Peyton Manning. Stokley collided with a Colts defensive player as both players made a play on the ball and was later taken off the field in a cart. Dungy said Sunday evening that he wouldn’t know the full extent of the injury until sometime today.

n Simon gets another look — Defensive tackle Corey Simon has visited with team medical personnel again regarding his injured left knee. Simon has been held out of practice for the past week. Defensive end Dwight Freeney also sat out Sunday’s practice.

“Corey’s gotten another look at his knee. Dwight is still not quite 100 percent, not feeling well. But Dwight’s doing better,” Dungy said. “We’ll see what the timetable is with those guys.

“Corey has a knee meniscus and he’s also got some other tendinitis, soreness. So we’re trying to let it calm down and see if the tendinitis gets calmed down. If he’s able to play or if it’s really the meniscus problem that’s bothering him. That’s what they’re trying to work on now.”

Dungy, though, did not rule out any possible surgery for Simon.

“That’s what we’re looking at and exploring. We don’t think it’s going to be major either way. But he wants to be sure and we want to be sure.”

n Roster moves — The Colts made several roster moves Sunday, adding safety Wayne Bacon, linebacker Dale Robinson, defensive end George Gause and defensive tackle Kader Drame. Bacon played with Indianapolis during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. He spent time in the Colts’ training camp last year before being waived in early September. Robinson was originally signed as an undrafted free agent in May and was waived late last month.

Gause was on the Buffalo and Denver rosters during the 2005 season before signing with Indianapolis. Drame was signed as an undrafted free agent by New England last spring and was waived before the start of training camp.

Dungy said an announcement would be made today on who the Colts had to release in order to make room on the training camp roster.

n Harper excused from practice — Cornerback Nick Harper was excused from Sunday’s workout and will not be available for today’s practice.

“He’s excused. He won’t be here [today] either. He’ll be back Tuesday,” Dungy said. “Just personal. He’s fine. He’s excused.”