ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick returned to practice Wednesday and hopes to play in this weekend's season finale against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fitzpatrick, who hurt his ankle 10 days ago during a loss to the New England Patriots, took most of the reps in practice -- though he was limited on the injury report -- and said his ankle has been improving over the past few days, opening the door for his return after he missed last weekend's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
"I felt good today," Fitzpatrick said. "There's still pain in there, but it felt good, and hopefully, it will continue to feel good throughout the week."
Made the starter soon after Perry Fewell took over as interim head coach following the firing of Dick Jauron in November, Fitzpatrick has completed 55 percent of his passes while throwing six touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the Bills (5-10).
"He looked pretty good," Fewell said. "It was nice to have him back out there."
Eight players, including starting defensive tackle Marcus Stroud (back) and starting left tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle), were missing from Wednesday's practice.
Indianapolis (14-1) is coming off its only loss of the season and already has clinched homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
The game also will be televised locally after Time Warner Cable announced Wednesday that they will purchase any remaining unsold tickets, ending the possibility of the Bills having their first blackout of the season.
The Bills have sold out every home game the past three years.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
