It's been a long month for Cordy Glenn and Kraig Urbik. Both offensive linemen went down with high ankle sprains in Week 4 against New England and haven't played since. That situation looks like it's about to change as both starters were participating in practice Monday.
At this point Urbik appears to be a bit further ahead of Glenn. Urbik practiced fully on Monday and fully intends to start on Sunday in Houston.
"Oh yeah, I'm playing on Sunday no matter what," Urbik said. "If you're in the training room you want to get back out there and on the field. It's no fun being in the training room hurt, so you want to get back out there as soon as possible."
"He took a lot of reps and practiced well and if there is no residual effect and he can come practice Wednesday I see no reason he won't be ready to go," said head coach Chan Gailey.
Urbik's return could not have come at a better time considering that his replacement in the lineup Chad Rinehard is out indefinitely with an ankle injury suffered against the Titans in Week 7. Reserve offensive tackle Sam Young will now serve as Urbik's backup.
During last week's bye week practice Glenn was still working on the side with an athletic trainer while Urbik was going through a regular practice. Glenn practiced on Monday, but did so on a limited basis. The left tackle was taking some reps with the second unit during the media viewing portion of practice.
"Pretty good," said Gailey of Glenn's progress. "I was very encouraged with what he did on the field (Monday). This was the first time he's really worked, so we'll see how he is (Tuesday), but I was encouraged by what happened (Monday)."
If Glenn cannot be ready in time for Sunday's game, Chris Hairston would spell him in the starting lineup for the fourth straight game.
With the team a game under .500 and the next two opponents among the toughest they'll face the rest of the regular season both linemen are anxious to start contributing again.
"Very anxious to get back in," said Urbik. "I've been off for four weeks and I just want to get back in and start getting after it again. We've definitely got to take it one game at a time, but we want to come out and get this win this week. Every game from here on out is pretty important. Sitting at 3-4 we can't lose too many more games and make the playoffs."
