The Indianapolis Colts are in desperate need of a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, and they could be getting a key member of their offense back to help them make it happen.
Key word: could.
Colts head coach Frank Reich says that wide receiver Devin Funchess, who was placed on the injured reserve list after Week 1, is returning to practice this week.
“Technically, he could be cleared to play the game,” Reich said, according to Jim Ayello of The Indianapolis Star. “But he’s got a few more boxes to check. We have to make sure he’s good to go because this will really be his first week of practice. Then we still have to see how much he’ll be able to do Wednesday. We’re really encouraged. I think there’s another box he has to check before we can go full boar on the practice.”
Obviously, Funchess is in no way a shoo-in to play this weekend, and the chances of him returning may even be deemed unlikely, but the fact that he is making his way back is huge for an Indianapolis offense that badly needs a lift.
The Colts signed Funchess during the offseason with the hope that he would be their No. 2 receiver behind T.Y. Hilton, but he suffered a broken collarbone in Indy's season opener.
Of course, Funchess isn't the only key Colts wide out who is trying to get back on the field in Week 11, as Hilton missed this past Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins due to a calf injury and is hoping to return against the Jaguars.