By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

Wide receiver Peter Warrick practiced Monday and said he would play Friday night in the preseason finale against the Colts.

Warrick rested, underwent treatment and practiced sparingly at training camp. He had undergone surgery at the end of last season to repair cartilage damage in his right knee.

"It's been a long time coming," Warrick said. "I've been letting it heal, and today it felt good."

Warrick went to practice early, said he caught a couple of passes in 11-on-11 team drills and stayed late to field punts. He hopes to regain his job as punt returner.

"I'm going to do what's asked of me," he said. "I just know I have to get some time (vs. the Colts)."

Warrick also said he didn't expect to experience soreness for practice today.

"I'm past that," he said.

Warrick, a fifth-year player, had career bests in receptions (79), receiving yards (819) and total touchdowns (eight).

"I want 90 catches, 1,000 (receiving) yards, 10 receiving and three punt returns (for touchdowns)," Warrick said.

MORE DEBUTS: The Indianapolis game also could mark the first preseason appearances of two other projected offensive starters: fullback Jeremi Johnson (groin) and tight end Reggie Kelly (thumb). They both practiced.

ALSO BACK: Wide receiver Kelley Washington (ankle), who missed the game against Atlanta on Saturday, also returned to practice. Rookie cornerback Keiwan Ratliff (hamstring) practiced and could return for the Colts.

Both have played in games.

"I'm just going to do what they tell me," Ratliff said. "It feels a little better every day."

STILL OUT: The following players did not practice: cornerback Greg Brooks, defensive tackle John Thornton (heel), wide receiver Adam Ziesel, cornerback Deltha O'Neal (ankle), offensive tackle Levi Jones (knee), guard Eric Steinbach (elbow), offensive lineman Scott Kooistra, center Thatcher Szalay and fullback Alex Wade (knee).

Offensive tackle Stacy Andrews wore a boot on his right ankle—a strain suffered in Atlanta—and walked with a crutch. He also did not practice.

THEN THERE WERE 5: Only five linebackers practiced Monday.

Two had been placed on the Injured Reserve list: Khalid Abdullah and Frank Chamberlin. Brian Simmons was out to have arthroscopic knee surgery.

"We're all we got," middle linebacker Nate Webster said as the group ran through drills with linebackers coach Ricky Hunley.

Kevin Hardy, Caleb Miller and Landon Johnson were the other linebackers dressed. Johnson is trying to come back from shoulder injuries that have prevented him from playing this preseason.

PALMER PLAN: Quarterback Carson Palmer will play at least one quarter against the Colts and might play more, coach Marvin Lewis said.

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