Danny Amendola was back at practice with the St. Louis Rams on Wednesday, just three weeks after suffering a serious shoulder injury that threatened to keep him off the field until late in the season.
Coach Jeff Fisher told reporters that the wide receiver was limited in drills, but his return in any capacity is surprising. The fourth-year pro suffered a shoulder separation in a Thursday night win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. The sternoclavicular joint separation occurred where the collarbone meets the chest, a potentially life-threatening setback.
Amendola was slated to miss at least six weeks of action, placing his return somewhere around Week 11. He's not about to step into a game, but Amendola's return is an encouraging sign for a Rams offense that sorely misses his versatility in the passing game.
Before he was hurt, Amendola emerged as quarterback Sam Bradford's most productive target, catching 15 passes for 160 yards in a Week 2 win over the Washington Redskins.
The Rams -- in London this week to prepare for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots -- hang on the fringe of the NFC playoff picture. Getting their best receiver back on the field can't come soon enough.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.