Josh Chapman returns to practice for Colts

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI) - The Indianapolis Colts today announced that nose tackle Josh Chapman will begin practicing with the team. He will remain on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List during this time.

“He was targeted eligible to come back early. We didn’t know if we’d get him back at all but he’s progressed nicely. No worries right now about where he’s at physically. I look forward to seeing him out on the field. I think he’s really excited, as excited as we are to see him out there,” said Interim Head Coach Bruce Arians.

The Colts will have up to three weeks from today to elevate Chapman to the 53-man active roster or he will remain on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List for the rest of the season.

“It’s very important to me. That’s one of the things that I want to do is get back out there, play the game that I love and be a part of what those guys are doing out there on the field,” said nose tackle Josh Chapman.

Chapman, 6-0, 316 pounds, was originally selected by the Colts in the fifth round (136th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Alabama. During his 54-game collegiate career, Chapman was a part of two Crimson Tide National Championship teams (2009 and 2011) and produced 88 tackles (44 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and four passes defended.

As a senior, he contributed to a defensive unit that led the nation in total defense (183.6 ypg), rush defense (72.2 ypg) and scoring defense (8.2 ppg).

“This is probably one of the longest times I’ve waited. I’ve been anxious since January so I’m ready to get out there,” said Chapman.