"The surgery to repair Bob Sanders' torn right biceps tendon "went well," Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell said today, optimism he based on text messages exchanged with the two-time Pro Bowl safety.

"He feels good about the process," Caldwell said of Sanders, who underwent the procedure Wednesday with orthopedic surgeon James Andrews. "He's starting the healing and rehab process."

Sanders was injured in the second series of Sunday's 34-24 loss at Houston. It's the latest in a series of injury setbacks for the 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who has missed more games (49) than he has played (48) in his seven-year career. He played just two games last season due to a torn left biceps.

At least for now, the Colts intend to keep Sanders on the 53-man roster. The team hopes he can return late in the season or by the playoffs, which he did when the Colts made their run to a Super Bowl XLI triumph four seasons ago.

"Well, he's a quick healer," Caldwell said. "Unlike a guy like me, who's 55 years old, if I got injured it would take quite some time. What's that phenomena that helps the healing process that starts to retard as you get older? Your organ reserve capacity starts to diminish somewhat."