Gary Brackett was one of 12 Colts players listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, but the linebacker told *The Indianapolis Star* that he was "very encouraged" after practicing for the second consecutive day and hopes to play this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys.
"If everything stays the course, I should be able to go," said Brackett, who missed the previous three games because of a turf toe injury.
Brackett, an eight-year NFL veteran who's also a Colts defensive captain, was limited in practice Thursday, but he fully participated Friday.
Clint Session, who's questionable to play Sunday against the Cowboys, also missed the previous three games with an elbow injury, forcing the Colts to start rookies Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner at linebacker. Angerer has made the defensive calls in Brackett's place.
"He's one of those guys that plays beyond his years just in terms of how he handles adverse situations, how he handles stress, how he handles complexities," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said of Angerer, who also must play on special teams. "He just seems to be able to get a grasp of it and instinctively functions in that realm."
Notes: Safety Bob Sanders was ruled out with a biceps injury he sustained in the season opener. ... Running back Joseph Addai (neck) was listed as doubtful after missing practice Friday. He hasn't played since Week 6. ... Cornerback Kelvin Hayden (neck) missed practice all week, and Caldwell called the veteran's status "wait and see." According to The Star, Jacob Lacey would start if Hayden, who's listed as questionable, misses a game for the first time this season. ... Wide receiver Austin Collie, also questionable, hasn't been medically cleared from post-concussion symptoms, Caldwell said, and will be dealt with "rather conservatively." ... The other Colts listed as questionable were: Running back Mike Hart (ankle), wide receiver Reggie Wayne (knee), tight end Brody Eldridge (rib), cornerback Aaron Francisco (thigh), defensive end Ricardo Mathews (back), defensive tackle Daniel Muir (hamstring), cornerback Justin Tryon (foot) and offensive tackle Charlie Johnson (back). Caldwell said he believed Johnson will be fine.
