Colts Being Unclear On Dwight Freeney’s Status For Super Bowl XLIV

One of the biggest story lines leading up to Super Bowl XLIV is the injury status of elite pass rusher Dwight Freeney and whether he will be able to play in next Sunday’s game.

Earlier in the day, Colts head coach Jim Caldwell was doing an interview with Sirius NFL Radio and stated that the Colts were willing to wait on Freeney.

“I mean, we’ll wait until the last hour if need be,” Caldwell said.  “And I think he’ll be able to do his job and do it well.”

It was just a few hours later at his press conference that Caldwell seemed less positive about his star defensive lineman’s ankle injury.

“We’re preparing as if he’s not going to play, and if we get an opportunity to get him in there, we’ll do so,” Caldwell said.

Freeney is suffering from a torn ligament in his right ankle. The injury will keep Freeney out of practices this week and it could very well limit his performance at the Super Bowl. As a pass rusher built on speed and agility, Freeney will have a hard time playing to his highest ability.

While Caldwell says the Colts will prepare as if Freeney will be unavailable, Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be preparing as though Colts all-time sack leader will be on the field.

“The fact is, it’s the Super Bowl, and I know any player would do as much as they could to get on the field.  Obviously, he is a competitor, and we are expecting him to play,” Brees said.  “Certainly I feel like they are coming into this game with all their ammo.”

If Freeney is unable to go, Colts defensive end Raheem Brock will receive the starting nod. This will definitely be a story to follow as the championship game gets closer.