Five days after taking a vicious hit that knocked him out of the St. Louis loss, Emmanuel Sanders returned to practice Friday, and remains hopeful he will play Sunday. Tight end Julius Thomas, recovering from a left ankle injury, wore a helmet for the first time this week, but was a limited participant during Friday’s workout.

Sanders was cleared for physical activity Thursday afternoon. He is listed as probable on the injury report as all signs point toward Sanders participating Sunday when the Broncos host the Miami Dolphins.

“I went through the protocol, and passed all the tests. It’s up to the Broncos and the medical staff to see if they want to go forward with it or not,” said Sanders, who insisted he was ready to return last Sunday five minutes after the hit. “(Rams safety Rodney McLeod) didn’t lead with his head. He led with his shoulder. In terms of targeting, I felt like the guy could have gone for the ball. I think his intentions the whole time were to deliver a blow. That’s the only thing I am not too happy about.”

Sanders is enjoying a career season with the Broncos, catching 67 passes for 954 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns.

Thomas sprained his ankle when running back C.J. Anderson fell on him last Sunday. Thomas said the ankle continues to improve, saying on Thursday, “If I can go, I will go.” He is listed as questionable on the injury report. His situation figures to be a game-day decision. Thomas leads all NFL receivers with 12 touchdown receptions.

Punter Britton Colquitt resumed practicing after dealing with an illness earlier in the week. Practice-squad quarterback Zac Dysert is attending his mother’s funeral Friday in Ohio following her death in an automobile accident.