Avalanche forward Jesse Winchester might be in the best shape of his career. He is cleared for full contact, and he practices at team headquarters as if he is completely healthy after suffering a concussion during the preseason.

But when he skates at the Pepsi Center, or walks down an aisle at a grocery store, he’s never far from being reminded of the blow.

His head spins when skating at the Pepsi Center, with the seating, aisles and other landmarks making him “just not right.” He has the same problem walking in grocery store aisles and at other colorful and confined spaces. But he said he feels fine at the Avs’ practice facility.

“It’s been a real frustrating time for me personally, and it’s magnified by the team’s struggles,” Winchester said after practice Sunday. “It’s not like I’m a game-changer, but I could be in there in the battles. I feel like such a (weakling).”

Winchester, who has yet to play with the Avs since signing with them as a free agent from Florida last summer, met with another specialist in Detroit last week. He returned to Denver feeling as good as he has since the concussion.

“All of the doctors have been encouraging and supportive. They’re making me understand that I’m not the only one going through this stuff, just one of the unlucky ones,” Winchester said. “I’m more upbeat, or less upset, about my situation today than ever.”

Doctors have told him skating and other physical activity will not hinder his recovery, and Winchester said he’s not afraid of being hit. But once his skating goes from the white-walled practice facility to the Pepsi Center or another big NHL arena, he becomes scared.

“If I played in a game right now I’d be hurting the team, because I’m not right,” Winchester said. “It’s hard to explain. I’m trying anything and everything to get healthy.”

Injuries suffered by third- and fourth-line forwards have decimated the Avs, but at least two of the six on the shelf might return Tuesday against visiting Nashville. Marc-Andre Cliche (oblique), Dennis Everberg (shoulder) and Patrick Bordeleau (back) went through a full practice Sunday, in addition to Winchester, and the team re- assigned forwards Michael Sgarbossa and Tomas Vincour to the minors Saturday.

Avs coach Patrick Roy did not address the media Sunday, but it appears the bottom half of his forward corps might be returning to its original form.

Without Sgarbossa, Vincour and the four injured players, the Avs have just nine true forwards, plus defenseman Nick Holden, who has played left wing of late. Chances appear good that Cliche and Everberg will play Tuesday.

Center/wing John Mitchell (leg) and veteran defenseman Brad Stuart (hamstring) did not skate Sunday. Neither did wing Jamie McGinn, who will have back surgery Wednesday and might be lost for the season.

Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mikechambers