Hard-hitting Ryan Wilson, who has missed the past 15 games - 13 because of a head injury - will replace the injured Shane O'Brien, starting tonight. O'Brien is out for at least two games with a knee injury. Wilson was perhaps Colorado's best overall defenseman before he was injured Dec. 6 at Vancouver. "I'm really excited. It's going to be nice to get back out there," Wilson said. "It's been way too long. But I'm rested and I feel good on the ice."

Ryan Wilson was a healthy scratch for the second straight game. Coach Joe Sacco did not want to tamper with a winning lineup so Wilson sat. Erik Johnson was injured in the game so Wilson could return to the lineup next week. He has a goal and 14 points in 28 games to go with a plus-five rating and 24 penalty minutes.

Ryan Wilson was a healthy scratch on Friday. Wilson missed a month of action after suffering a head injury on December 6. He was taken off the injured reserve list on Thursday but coach Joe Sacco decided not to change a winning lineup and the strategy worked with the Avs winning their fourth straight on the road Friday in a 4-0 whitewashing of Chicago. Wilson was off to a very good start with a goal and 14 points in 28 games and a plus-five rating with 24 penalty minutes before the injury, making him a good 3-4 defenseman in deeper pools. Stay tuned.

Ryan Wilson is doubtful for Friday's game against Chicago. Wilson was activated off the injured reserve list on Thursday as he has missed a month of action after suffering a head injury on December 6. He could return on Saturday so stay tuned. He was off to a very good start with a goal and 14 points in 28 games and a plus-five rating with 24 penalty minutes before the injury, making him a good 3-4 defenseman in deeper pools.

The Colorado Avalanche have activated Ryan Wilson (head) off of the injured reserve list. You might assume that means that Wilson will play on Friday, but that might not be the case. "He is available for us, he's off the IR now, and it's good to see him make progress down the stretch here," Avalanche coach Joe Sacco said. "He'll be available, but I make my decisions in the morning usually. But he's doubtful."

Ryan Wilson (head) will probably travel with Colorado for their upcoming road games. Colorado will play in Chicago on Friday and St. Louis on Saturday. Wilson is close to returning, but it remains to be seen if he'll play in either contest.

Ryan Wilson (head) skated with the team for the first time on Tuesday. He hasn't done so since Dec. 6 when he suffered a head injury. Coach Joe Sacco was encouraged by Wilson's presence saying: "He's starting to get back into the swing of things. It's his second day on the ice. He skated yesterday when we were in Minnesota. It's all positive, but still has a way to go ... We all know with those type of injuries, we want to make sure we're taking the right steps before he (returns)."

Ryan Wilson (head) is still not skating for the Colorado Avalanche. Wilson suffered the injury on December 6 and it appears to be an eye injury but that has not been confirmed. There is no timetable for the return of the defenseman so keep him on injured reserve if you are in a deep league.

Defenseman Ryan Wilson (head) has been placed on injured reserve by the Colorado Avalanche. Wilson will not play tonight when the Avalanche entertain the San Jose Sharks. Wilson has reportedly had some trouble with the vision in his right eye as a result of the head injury.

Ryan Wilson (head) didn't participate in Monday's practice. Wilson will not be available on Tuesday as a result of the injury. He has reportedly had some trouble with the vision in his right eye.