Dwight Freeney's Status Remains Unknown

NFL News - February 7th, 2010 - Written by John Ritter

The only thing certain about Dwight Freeney this week is that he has not practiced with his teammates leading up to Super Bowl XLIV. The Indianapolis Colts have kept a tight lip on the status of their star defensive end, and an announcement on whether or not he will play is unlikely to be known until kick off.

Freeney has set out the duration of practices due to a torn ligament in his right ankle, which suffered during the fourth quarter of the Colts AFC Championship victory over the New York Jets.
Indianapolis head coach Jim Caldwell hinted at the fact that the state of Freeney's ankle had improved over the 24 hour period from Friday on into Saturday, but remained silent on the defensive end's playing status.

Freeney is no stranger to playing through pain during a game. Earlier this season in September, Freeney strained a quadriceps that did not keep him out of a game. An injury like that however should have kept the Pro Bowler out of the starting line up for at least four weeks.

During the Colts walk-through on Saturday, Freeney had no wrap or tape on his ankle.

Freeney terrorized opposing quarterbacks throughout this 2009-10 NFL Season, accumulating 13 1/2 sacks and forcing one fumble. He comes off of the edge extremely quick, which makes it very difficult for offensive lineman to block him.

Freeney was drafted by the Colts in 2002 and made an immediate impact on a defense that had historically struggled. He was recently elected to the NFL's All-Decade team for the 2000's. For his career, the defensive end has tabbed 84 sacks.

In addition to Freeney, the Colts are also concerned about the status of No.1 receiver Reggie Wayne. Wayne has been battling a right-knee injury that has plague him throughout most of the season. He re-aggravated the injury during a practice on Friday, but returned Saturday. His return to practice should ease the minds of the organization, but they will make sure he is able to go come Sunday night. The star receiver ended practice early Saturday to receive treatment on his knee.

Starting defensive back Jarraud Powers had surgery for a left foot fracture three weeks ago and returned to practice this week. He practiced on his own Saturday. Caldwell eluded to signs of improvement for both Freeney and Powers.

"He [Freeney] and Powers both are better than yesterday. It's still day to day," Caldwell remarked during an interview after practice.

The Colts Coach went on to say that he believes the team had a good week of practice and will be ready to put forth their best effort against the New Orleans Saints.

"We've done extremely well and been attentive," Caldwell remarked. "The [players] have been very, very focused and our practices have been sharp as well. Overall, we've been moving in the right direction."

The Colts are installed as a 5 1/2-point favorite according to most USA Online Sportsbooks.