Seattle Seahawks receiver Bobby Engram had been waiting to learn whether a virus or an autoimmune disease was causing the thyroid condition that has him out indefinitely.

Turns out, it's both.

Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said that test results showed a virus and Graves' disease caused Engram's hyperactive thyroid and, subsequently, an accelerated heartbeat and fatigue. Engram has lost about eight pounds while staying at home for the past two weeks.

Yesterday, the team's leading receiver in 2005 appeared at practice for the first time since he got sick. Engram exchanged hugs on the sideline with fellow receivers Deion Branch and Darrell Jackson. He appeared in good spirits -- and thinner.

Engram will miss his second consecutive game on tomorrow against Minnesota, meaning Branch will start again. Holmgren said he hopes to have Engram back on the practice field sometime next week.

Jaguars

Quarterback Byron Leftwich missed practice and was scheduled to have tests on his sore left ankle, the same one that caused him to miss five games last season. Leftwich was added to the team's injury report and listed as questionable for the game tomorrow at Houston. He took his normal practice repetitions Wednesday and Thursday, but coach Jack Del Rio said he experienced soreness in his ankle yesterday morning.

Colts

Indianapolis Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders and wide receiver Brandon Stokley will not play tomorrow against the Redskins. Sanders has missed the past three games after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Stokley continues to rehab a sprained left knee.

Also, The Players Association filed a grievance with the league on behalf of Corey Simon, the Colts' defensive tackle out the rest of the season because of an undisclosed illness. The team said two weeks ago that the illness was not football-related and that Simon would not be paid the rest of his 2006 salary, about $2 million. The Colts cited federal privacy laws for not disclosing the nature of Simon's illness.

Cardinals

Former Arizona offensive coordinator Keith Rowen has filed a grievance with the NFL over the circumstances surrounding his demotion by coach Dennis Green.

Team spokesman Mark Dalton confirmed that Rowen had filed a grievance but had no other comment.

Bengals

Cincinnati running back Chris Perry, who sat out the first five games of the season with ankle and knee injuries, was activated. Perry, who often is used in passing situations, rejoined the team in practice this week.