Three ailing starters were expected to return to practice this afternoon, providing a boost to a wavering Indianapolis Colts outfit for Sunday's meeting with New England in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Safety Bob Sanders (knee/ankle), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee) and running back Joseph Addai (hamstring) were scheduled to participate in the two-hour workout.

"If everything goes smoothly,'' coach Tony Dungy said, "they should play.''

Sanders, the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has not played since spraining his right ankle Sept. 14 at Minnesota. He also underwent arthroscopic surgery on one of his knees while he was recovering from the ankle injury.

Hayden has missed the past three games while Addai has been out the past two.

"I plan on playing this week,'' Hayden said. "(I'll) practice today and see how it feels. Today's the big test. I felt good on the running test they gave me and now I feel like it's time to practice and see how it goes.''

Even with that trio returning, none is expected to shoulder a full workload against the Patriots. Dungy said the team will continue to get backup safety Melvin Bullitt and backup running back Dominic Rhodes some work. At cornerback, Tim Jennings likely will help ease Hayden's return.

"We've got to be smart how we use all three of those guys in their first game back,'' Dungy said.