The only Indian to have won on the PGA Tour shot 73 in the first round and added a 71 in the second.
At even par 144, he was tied 31st after gaining 10 places from his overnight 41st place.
Also making the weekend action was Daniel Chopra (74-69) in tied 21st place after a windy second round.
The 44-year-old Czech-born German Alex Cejka birdied three of his last five holes on Friday for a 5-under 67 and that gave him a one-shot lead.
He has made only one bogey in 36 holes.
Brandon Hagy was second after finding a birdie on his final hole for a 67.
Argentina's Emiliano Grillo was third at 5 under after a 70.
Defending champion Chesson Hadley topped the group at 3 under after a 70.
First-round leader Mark Hubbard followed his opening 68 with a 74 to drop to 2 under.
