Former UConn star Donald Brown looks to make an impact with Colts on Sunday.

INDIANAPOLIS --- Running back Donald Brown, the Colts' first-round pick from the University of Connecticut, returned to practice Wednesday after suffering a left shoulder contusion in an Oct. 25 game against the Rams. Brown, whose status remained uncertain for Sunday's game against the Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium, was hopeful of getting back on the field, saying his shoulder ``felt good'' following Wednesday's practice session at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.

Here's an excerpt of a brief chat we had with him in the Colts locker room today.

Q: How was it to be inactive for the last two games?
A: It's very frustrating and it's part of the game and I've just got to overcome it.

A:Good, good. I should be out there on Sunday ready to go.

Q: Was it a positive development?
A: Right, yeah, it felt good [Wednesday]. You just have to take it one game at a time and hopefully, Sunday I'll be out there

Q: You'll be reunited with Darius Butler Sunday night and, obviously, both of you were teammates with Jasper Howard. How did you learn about Howard's stabbing?
A: I had a text message from one of my good friends, Scott Lutrus, who's still on the team playing outside linebacker. I mean, he sent it and it was early morning, must have been like 4 o'clock in the morning. I got up and read it and I had to re-read it. I was like `How could this happen?' It's really a shame.

Q: Did Jazz look up to Darius?
A: I know Jazz and him played the same position and I think Darius was almost a mentor to Jazz, coming from the same area in Florida and playing the same posiiton, so I know Jazz really looked up to Darius and Darius was a really good friend to him, so, yeah, I know it was a tough thing for Darius.

Q: What does it feel like, as a rookie, to be involved with an organization like the Colts and on a team that's 8-0?
A: Yeah, we're 8-0, but we just have to take it one day at a time, one game at a time and you can't get too far ahead of yourself. I'm grateful to be a great organization like this with great people in it. I just look to contribute in any way possible.