INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indianapolis Colts returned to work Wednesday more relaxed, more determined and more unified.

The noticeably subdued locker room and practices of last week were replaced by laughter, horseplay and video games – and a hope they could honor the message their missing coach, Tony Dungy, sent during Tuesday’s eulogy for his 18-year-old son, James.

“I was so impressed with what he said and the integrity he had,” Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday said. “I thought he made some great comments.”

One day after about 200 Colts players, coaches and team officials flew to Tampa for the funeral of Dungy’s son, players credited the emotional trip for bringing even closer a team that already got along well. It was the first time Colts players had been around Dungy since he left for Tampa.

The way Dungy handled the tragedy has had a significant impact on players.

Saturday said he was touched by Dungy’s call to be bolder about being role models for boys, and receiver Troy Walters said he believes the impact of Tuesday’s trip could be long-term. Others agreed.

“I think we came together,” defensive tackle Montae Reagor said. “It allowed us to grow as a group and showed that we truly are a family.”

The Colts (13-2) struggled last week with the shocking news Dungy’s son was found unresponsive in his Florida apartment last Thursday. A preliminary autopsy report ruled the death an apparent suicide.

Last week’s practices were quieter than normal, and Saturday’s 28-13 loss at Seattle was the team’s second straight after 13 straight wins.

A different demeanor emerged Wednesday. Assistant head coach Jim Caldwell said there was a sharp pace to practice with few mistakes, even though about a half-dozen starters, including Pro Bowlers Marvin Harrison, Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders, sat out.

The injuries, however, seemed secondary to the other big question: When will Dungy return?

Players said they had not been told of Dungy’s plans and reiterated the position taken last week by team owner Jim Irsay and team president Bill Polian: Dungy should take as much time as he needs to mourn. Caldwell said only that he was uncertain about Dungy’s return.

Until Dungy returns, the Colts intend to follow Dungy’s model of staying focused and playing hard.

As he did last week, Caldwell again intends to treat Sunday’s game like a preseason contest. Two-time MVP Peyton Manning and other regulars will likely see limited action against the Cardinals, while others may not get on the field at all. Nearly half of the Colts’ nicked-up defensive starters were held out of Saturday’s game.

and Freeney was in for only a handful of plays.

On offense, Manning and Reggie Wayne played two series, Edgerrin James less than a half and Harrison (right hand) and right tackle Ryan Diem (left knee) didn’t even make the trip.

They expect a similar scenario this week, and some are growing weary of answering the questions about playing time.

“I think we reveal too much around here as it is,” Manning said. “Every time someone asks me that question, I assume someone is asking me because of their fantasy football team or they have action on the game.”

Now the Colts want to follow Dungy’s lead.

With their coach still missing, Indy hopes to prove to Dungy that it can persevere and continue doing things the way Dungy would – until Dungy returns.

“I think things have been about as normal around here as they can be without having your head coach around,” backup quarterback Jim Sorgi said. “I can’t wait to see his face around here again.”