INDIANAPOLIS – The road to getting back on the field for a game took a positive turn for Donald Thomas on Friday when the Indianapolis Colts took the guard off of the physically unable to perform list.

Thomas is now eligible to practice with the team.

It’s OK if you’re not overly excited about where things stand with Thomas, even though he’s off PUP now. He has played less than two games with the Colts because of injuries since signing a four-year, $14 million contract with the team in 2013.

Thomas’ 2013 season ended when he tore his quad and biceps against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. He didn’t play a down in 2014 because he tore the same quad during training camp.

This is a vital time for the Thomas because he has to prove that he can regain the form that made him attractive to the Colts. His $3.5 million base salary this season becomes guaranteed if he’s on the opening-day roster.

The Colts lack depth behind starters Lance Louis and Todd Herremans because Hugh Thornton, the primary backup, is out with a knee injury.