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Published: October 20, 2009 3:00 a.m.

Refreshed Colts hit road again

Hoping Sanders, Hayden available to rejoin defense

Associated Press
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Associated Press

Colts safety Bob Sanders could see his first action of the season against the Rams on Sunday.

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts should be in a lot better shape physically heading into Sunday’s game in St. Louis.

It will be the fourth game away from Lucas Oil Stadium for Indianapolis this season. The Colts (5-0) are coming off a bye week in which they were able to get some rest after a grueling stretch to begin the year.

The early schedule included back-to-back nationally televised road games with Miami and Arizona. Throw in the team’s game at Tennessee two weeks ago and Indianapolis has been involved in three nationally televised road games through the first five weeks.

Safety Bob Sanders (knee) has a chance of playing for the first time this season. The Pro Bowl defensive back returned for limited practice last week after undergoing surgery on his right knee during the offseason.

“His activity level is increasing,” Colts coach Jim Caldwell said Monday. “And he was out there (at practice) last week and looked good. It will increase some this week, and we will see where we are toward the end of the week, but he’s coming along.”

Indianapolis should be able to welcome back cornerback Kelvin Hayden (hamstring) and offensive tackle Charlie Johnson (knee). Hayden has been bothered by a strained hamstring since training camp and has been sidelined the past three games. Johnson was hurt against Seattle three weeks ago. Both were able to practice Monday.

The status of cornerback Marlin Jackson (knee) and wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee) remains unknown.

Jackson had season-ending knee surgery last year. He has been experiencing soreness in the knee since returning to the practice field and did not play against Tennessee on Oct. 11.

Gonzalez, meanwhile, has not played since suffering a sprained right knee against Jacksonville in the season opener.

“I feel good about their progress. I feel good with where we’re headed, in terms of them coming back, but I’m not quite certain when that will be,” Caldwell said.

“Gonzo (Gonzalez) and Marlin, I think those guys are working at their craft, trying to get a little bit better, but I’m not quite certain when they’re going to be available.”