FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell sounded optimistic Friday that defensive end Dwight Freeney could play against the New Orleans Saints in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
“He’s trending in the right direction,” Caldwell said at his final pre-Super Bowl news conference.
Freeney has been receiving treatment several times daily since arriving in South Florida last week, trying to speed up the recovery after tearing a ligament in his right ankle during the Colts’ AFC championship game victory over the New York Jets.
Earlier this week, Freeney said he believes he’s improving. However, he still hasn’t practiced with the team.
“He’s getting better, but we’ll see,” Caldwell said. “It’s still a day-to-day situation.”
Freeney isn’t the only injury concern for the Colts.
Offensive lineman Ryan Lilja has been bothered by a sore back and couldn’t practice Thursday, but Caldwell said the team expects one of Peyton Manning’s top blockers to be ready for the game.
It’s still wait-and-see on cornerback Jerraud Powers and his ailing left foot.
Caldwell revealed Friday that Powers had “an internal fixation of a fractured foot,” which typically means a plate or screws were inserted to hold a fracture in place.
Still, Caldwell sounded upbeat.
“He feels that he’s going to be able to play,” he said. “It’s just kind of up to the doctors … if he’s able to run and run without any inhibitions whatsoever. He’s moving along and moving well and we’ll see.”
Colts Wayne hurts knee
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Reggie Wayne gave the Indianapolis Colts quite a scare Friday when he pulled up short on a pass route.
He’s still expected to play in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
The four-time Pro Bowl receiver left practice 20 minutes early after aggravating an injured right knee.
Coach Jim Caldwell said Wayne hurt the soft tissue below his kneecap. Wayne is listed as probable and Caldwell plans on him playing against New Orleans. Wayne got through the injury most of the season.
The Colts got good news on two other starters.
Left guard Ryan Lilja returned to practice after missing Thursday’s workout with a sore back. He is listed as probable.
Starting cornerback Jerraud Powers practiced for the first time since hurting his left foot against Baltimore on Jan. 16. Before practice, Caldwell announced that Powers had undergone surgery to repair a fracture. He also is questionable for the Saints game.
Indy has one more workout scheduled, a 40-minute walkthrough Saturday at noon, and Caldwell liked what he saw.
“These practices were right in line with what we’ve done all year, and we’re pleased,” he said. “Things have worked out great for us here.”
Pair miss Saints practice
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — New Orleans Saints cornerback Randall Gay has missed practice with a stomach illness.
Gay is a regular in formations with five defensive backs. He was one of only two players to miss practice Friday and was listed as probably for Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts.
Reserve running back Lynell Hamilton, a regular on special teams, was the other player sitting out. Hamilton has missed practice all week with a sore left ankle. He is listed as questionable for the game.
The Saints’ final practice on the campus of the University of Miami lasted just under two hours and was their shortest workout of the week.
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