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There was a Joey Galloway sighting at Buccaneers practice on Thursday, the first such occurrence in Tampa Bay in several weeks. Galloway returned to practice for the first time since suffering a foot injury in Week 2 against Atlanta, an injury that has sidelined him the last three games.

“I am cutting and actually catching some balls today,” Galloway told Buccaneers.com. “We are on the road to playing soon. I will go do some things [at practice] and see what happens.”

Galloway, 36, took part in a limited portion of practice and was limited to individual drills, said coach Jon Gruden.

“Let’s be honest — you’ve got to be able to practice,” said Gruden. “You’ve got to be able to go out there and prove to yourself and everyone that you have the ability to play a 60-minute game. We’re happy to have him back. It’s just the start, I think, in hopefully what will be a quick return.”

• Saints coach Sean Payton continues to be encouraged with the progress of WR Marques Colston, who took part in a limited portion of practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday as he continues to recover from a torn thumb ligament. The Saints held out TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia), who returned to practice for the first time on Wednesday, and plan to gauge his progress on Friday.

• Redskins DE Jason Taylor returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since having emergency surgery on his left calf on Sept. 22. Even if Taylor plays against St. Louis, he’s expected to get limited work.

• Broncos rookie WR Eddie Royal and DE Ebenezer Ekuban were upgraded on Thursday, when they took part in a limited portion of practice.

• Browns WR Donte Stallworth took part in full practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Stallworth has yet to play this season due to a lingering quadriceps injury he suffered during warmups before the season opener.

• Bengals K Shane Graham sat out practice on Thursday with a groin injury.

• The Giants held starting RT Kareem McKenzie (concussion) out of practice for a second straight day on Thursday, although coach Tom Coughlin said his condition has improved.

• Vikings WR Bernard Berrian did not practice on Thursday due to knee and lingering toe problems, but expects to play against the Lions.

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