ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Cornerback A.J. Bouye returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury during the Broncos' Week 1 game against the Titans.

Bouye, who remains on injured reserve, is eligible to be activated at any point over the next 21 days.

On Wednesday, Bouye took part in both the stretching period and defensive back drills during the media-viewing portion of practice. The team did not assign Bouye an official injury designation, as he remains on IR.

Head Coach Vic Fangio said after Wednesday's session that Bouye would need to clear several hurdles in order to play Sunday in New England.

"Well, first, he has to get medically cleared; that's step one," Fangio said. "Step two is that he has to believe that he can play and be [champing] at the bit to play. And then three — if A and B are satisfied — us coaches have to weigh how would he play in light of his extended absence and his health in lieu of somebody else. We're still working through all three steps of that."

Fangio said the team would "see how it goes" during the next several days of practice.

Quarterback Drew Lock also took a step forward in his recovery, as he was a full participant for the first time since injuring his shoulder in Week 2. Tight end Noah Fant, meanwhile, was a limited participant after missing all of last week with an ankle injury.

Nose tackle Mike Purcell (knee) was also limited, while outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu (quadricep), running back Melvin Gordon (not injury related) and wide receiver KJ Hamler (hamstring) did not practice.