A lengthy injury list is forcing the Colts to improvise in practice.
With 14 players either sidelined or seeing limited work during the week, the coaching staff has shuffled healthy players to new positions, practiced with limited hitting and, in some cases, without pads.
Still, as the Colts (7-2) prepare for tomorrow's game against Kansas City (4-5), coach Tony Dungy said yesterday the team has adjusted well, especially with the news that tight end Dallas Clark has been cleared to play.
"What we've had to do is take away a little bit of the contact [work], but the guys have practiced hard and our tempo has been good," Dungy said.
"We've had defensive linemen practicing on offense; the same guys running [pass] routes for both sides. That's where you have to be careful that it doesn't wear your team down."
Safety Bob Sanders, who missed practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a sore knee, was able to take part in yesterday's workout and is expected to play tomorrow.
Receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) did not practice again. He has missed four of the last fives games and the Colts are 3-2 in his absence.
Westbrook iffy
Eagles running back Brian Westbrook missed practice for the second straight day with a knee injury and is questionable tomorrow against the Dolphins."I think he'll be ready to go," coach Andy Reid said. "It's not bad. There's a little swelling."
Westbrook missed one game earlier this season with an abdominal injury and often plays despite missing practice.
Thomas out again
Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas won't play tomorrow at Philadelphia, making it the fifth game he will have missed since a concussion in September. The seven-time Pro Bowl player said earlier this week he hopes to return this season . . . Quarterback Vinny Testaverde will start for the Panthers against the Packers tomorrow. Coach John Fox chose the 44-year-old Testaverde over a healthy David Carr . . . Seahawks receiver Deion Branch (sprained right foot) may get his first action in more than a month tomorrow against the Bears.
