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INDIANAPOLIS - Edgerrin James could play for the first time in three weeks Sunday for the Colts as he continues recovering from a back injury.
Coach Tony Dungy said Thursday that James was in good shape after practicing Wednesday for the first time since he was hurt in a Sept. 21 game against Jacksonville.
"It was a good sign, coming back a second day after a hard practice. I'm optimistic about his chances this week," Dungy said.
The Colts hope to have the two-time NFL rushing champ back for Sunday's game against the Panthers (4-0).
"It'll be a game-time (decision)," Dungy said. "But I would think if he goes three practices in a row without any problems, he should be fine."
The Colts also are watching James Mungro, one of the running backs who has filled in for James.
Mungro sprained his right knee late in Monday's game against Tampa Bay and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. He had an MRI on Wednesday and the results showed a slight cartilage tear.
EMMITT IS CRITICIZED: Lions defensive end Robert Porcher thinks Emmitt Smith made a mistake by not retiring after last season.
"I think he's overstayed his welcome," Porcher said. "It doesn't make me feel sad. That's the problem most players have. Most players, especially great players, have a hard time saying, "Goodbye.' Most of us have been doing this since we were little kids."
Smith, the NFL career rushing leader, is sidelined indefinitely after breaking his left shoulder blade in a loss at Dallas last weekend. Smith lost 1 yard on six carries.
He has 192 yards and one touchdown in five games with the Cardinals. Smith broke Walter Payton's career rushing record last season.
Cardinals spokesman Paul Jensen said Smith was not available to respond to Porcher's comments.
BRONCOS: Jake Plummer tested his sore right shoulder with short passes but Denver won't know if its quarterback can play Sunday against the Steelers until he throws deep. Plummer was too sore to practice Wednesday, but he made it through Thursday without any problem. He will increase the length of his passes today.
DOLPHINS: Linebacker Junior Seau ran lightly and practiced, but remains questionable for Sunday's game at Jacksonville after straining a hamstring last week.
JETS: Quarterback Chad Pennington threw during seven-on-seven drills at practice. Pennington, who throws right-handed, dislocated and broke his left wrist in the preseason and is not expected back for several weeks. But this was the first time he threw during practice since the injury, going 8-for-12. Coach Herman Edwards said Pennington might start practicing during team drills next week. There is a chance he could face Philadelphia on Oct. 26.
PACKERS: Larry Smith re-signed with injury-riddled Green Bay and practiced at defensive end with the first-team defense. The team released receiver/returner Reggie Swinton, acquired in a trade with Dallas on Sept. 30. The Packers waived Smith on Sept. 1 after a two-week tryout at nose tackle.
RAMS: It will be at least another week before free safety Jason Sehorn makes his debut. He was ruled out because of soreness in the left foot he broke in late July. Tailback Lamar Gordon, the backup to injured Marshall Faulk, missed most of practice with a sore left wrist.