Dwayne Allen has said that he is working with the Indianapolis Colts' trainers and doctors in a bid to be ready for the first game of the 2013 NFL season.
The tight end has not featured in either of the team's games so far this pre-season because of a foot injury.
The 23-year-old told podcast The Ride with JMV: "I have to trust and know that [Colts owner Jim] Irsay has put the best doctors, the best trainers, the best managers in place to give me the best opportunity to hit the field.
"I believe that he has done that and the doctors are doing the best that they can, and my trainers are the best in the league to make sure that I'm ready for the first game.
"I'm hoping to practice soon, get some reps to really start meshing with the guys so that we can get the running game going because the passing game is pretty darn good."
The Colts will play the Oakland Raiders in the opening game of the regular season.