Darron Cummings / AP

Two days after burying his son, Tony Dungy rejoined the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday.

Dungy spent much of the day catching up. His team lost its last two games after starting 13-0, but has already clinched home-field advantage in the AFC for the playoffs.

Dungy acknowledged a handful of regular starters would sit out this week. He also said he had to slow down the Colts’ regular routine because he wasn’t as familiar with Arizona’s schemes as the players and assistant coaches who had been working on the game plan.

But there was no sign of weariness on Dungy’s face — nor in his actions.

“It’s been a tough couple of days and it’s been tough being away,” he said. “But it’s been made easier by all the support everyone has shown for me and my family and I want to thank them for that.”

Before leaving, Dungy reiterated the message he gave during a brief talk during the funeral service, asking players to take responsibility for being role models and urging parents to hug their children every change they get.

Then Dungy tried to find some solace in the work that will carry some painful reminders of James, who frequently spent game days on the sideline.

“The game, I think, from talking to people who have gone through this kind of thing before, will be easy, but I’ve never gone through this path,” he said. “For me, I have some very good memories that bring hurt. When you do things that were very special and joyful, that’s hard. But every day gets a little easier.”

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