FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Colts, dating back to former head coach Tony Dungy and continuing with current coach Jim Caldwell, have always lived by the “next man up” mantra when players are injured.
Facing the prospect of not having defensive end Dwight Freeney, their most prolific and productive defensive player, for Super Bowl XLIV Sunday because of a sprained right ankle, that Colts’ mantra might be challenged like never before.
Caldwell, upon his team’s arrival at its hotel yesterday, called Freeney’s status “day-to-day.”
Asked if he’s approaching the week as if Freeney will not be available for Sunday’s game, Caldwell said, “He hasn’t been practicing, so obviously we’re preparing as if he’s not going to play.”
Those who don’t believe Freeney will be in uniform Sunday aren’t very familiar with his history of healing fast and defying the odds to play when it seemed impossible that he would.
“Certainly, he has been a quick healer,” Caldwell said.
Freeney’s recuperation has been in overdrive in recent days. He flew to South Florida on Friday and used every therapeutic technique available, including a hyperbaric chamber that’s supposed to accelerate the healing process.
“I spoke to him the other day and he told me he’s doing everything he can to play,” Colts linebacker Gary Brackett said. “If anyone can come back from this injury, it’s Dwight. There’ve been times when they said he would be out 10 weeks and he comes back in seven days.”
Peyton Manning understands Freeney’s value to the Colts.
“How is Dwight Freeney unique? He’s just one heck of a football player,” Manning said. “I count my blessings every day that he is on my team and I don’t have to have him rushing against me in a live practice.
“I can’t tell you how many times in training camp that he runs right by me [on a pass rush] and he whispers, ‘That would have hurt, that would have hurt.’ It’s a good little reminder. He’s a guy you always want on your side. I feel good about him this week.”
In an interview with NFL Network at Sunday’s Pro Bowl, Colts receiver Reggie Wayne said, “Dwight told me he’ll be ready.”
The Saints, too, believe Freeney will play.
“Until he’s not out there on Sunday, that’s what it is,” Saints Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans said. “It might be a difference for them [if Freeney is out], but we’re approaching it as he’s playing. Our play-calling won’t be any different or anything like that. I know if it was me I’ll be trying to get out and play and I’m expecting him to do the same. [The injury] might slow him down a little bit or cut his play reps down, but until then, I expect him to be out there.”
Freeney hurt the ankle during the AFC Championship game when he was blocked to the outside of the pocket by Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. As Freeney approached quarterback Mark Sanchez, he pulled up lame and hasn’t played since.
Freeney’s most-used move in the pass rush is a spin that requires him to plant his right foot and pivot. The injury, even if Freeney does play, will certainly hamper his ability to do that.
There have been reports that he has a torn ligament in the ankle. The Colts, who are calling it a “grade-three sprain,” have denied those reports.
But really, it’s all semantics. Freeney is obviously hurting and will be a game-time decision.
How good is Freeney?
Since he entered the league in 2002, Freeney leads the NFL in sacks (92), tackles for loss (119) and forced fumbles (38).
“He’s a game-changer,” Ferguson said. “So not having him in the game is definitely going to hurt [the Colts]. His presence is a factor. The Saints lucked out with that.”