As the reporters congregated around cornerback Ronald Darby's locker on Monday after practice, fellow cornerback Jalen Mills yelled the news that everyone wanted to know.

"Darby's back!"

Darby said that he was full-go working with the first-team defense on Monday and plans on making his return to action Sunday night in the prime-time showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. It would be his first game back since he dislocated his ankle in the season-opening win at Washington.

"I just know they're going to be there to push me. I've got some shoes to fill in coming out there with them. They've been holding it down since Week 1. I'm going to go out there and give it my all," Darby said.

"The easiest way to do that is to give it your all. Play fast, know what's going on, and communicate. Once you know what's going on, the rest is pretty much easy."

Darby was acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills in the middle of the preseason. Darby played sparingly in two exhibition games - he did notch an interception against his former squad - then just 18 snaps in Week 1. He said that the players and coaches have been on him in the meeting room to make sure he keeps up with this new defensive scheme.

"I haven't been on a team like this in a long time since Florida State, just how they fly to the ball," Darby said. "You watch film, on one play there will be like eight people on the tackle. You barely see that in the league."

The 5-11, 193-pound Darby's calling card is his track star-like speed. Darby is confident that the speed will be back. It's just a matter of getting back into shape.

"You can go out there and run as many sprints you want, but football shape is a different type of shape," Darby said.

Darby admitted to watching video of the injury when it first occurred. He's just glad that he'll be able to help this team down the stretch.

"I got down on myself being out there, hurt. I'm just happy to be back but I wanted to be out there every week," Darby said.