The outlook for Indianapolis Colts RB Donald Brown improved on Friday.

Brown, the Colts’ rookie running back who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, practiced Friday and said he plans to play Sunday against the New England Patriots. Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell said the outlook is better for Brown than it was last week.

“Donald looks good,” Caldwell said as the AFC South-leading Colts (8-0) prepared to play New England (6-2) at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday at 8 p.m. “He looks very good. Donald performed well [Thursday] and it looks real positive.”

Brown practiced twice last week, but missed practice last Friday and missed the Colts’ victory over Houston.

“As of now, I’m going,” he said Friday.

The status of Colts backup QB Jim Sorgi is less certain for Sunday. He sustained a shoulder injury and missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. He practiced on a limited basis Friday.

“We’re just going to have to wait and see,” Caldwell said. “They’re not quite certain what his situation is, nor are they quite certain how it developed. But it seems it’s something he’s going to recover from here shortly.”

Colts starting QB Peyton Manning never has missed a snap because of injury in 12 seasons has missed just one NFL snap in 12 seasons because of an injury. That came in 2001 against Miami, when he missed one snap with a broken jaw.

Colts WR Austin Collie, who left Sunday’s victory over Houston with a neck injury, has practiced all week and is expected to play, coach Jim Caldwell said Friday. “He hasn’t missed any time at all,” Caldwell said.

If Colts QB Jim Sorgi isn’t available Sunday, rookie QB Curtis Painter would be the backup. Coach Jim Caldwell said the team has confidence in Painter, and that he has improved the first half of the season. “He’s developing,”Caldwell said.

The Colts’ injury report Friday: Did not practice — WR Anthony Gonzalez (knee, out), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee, out), OT Tony Ugoh (not injury related-rested),  K AdamVinatieri (right knee, out); limited participation — DB Aaron Francisco (shin, questionable), Sorgi (right shoulder, questionable).