"Dwight Freeney made his way through a sea of reporters Tuesday at Sun Life Stadium. A five-time Pro Bowler who's built for speed had a security escort and a noticeable limp.

Fortunately for the Indianapolis Colts, their career sack leader also still had part of six days to continue his rehabilitation for a Grade III sprain to his right ankle that threatens his availability for Super Bowl XLIV.

"I don't know exactly what's going to happen," Freeney said as rows of reporters crowded his podium. "Obviously the competitor in me says there's nothing going to stop me from being out on the field. But you don't know what it's going to do come game time."

Freeney doesn't anticipate practicing this week and might not test the ankle's stability until Friday or Saturday. Even though he won't be 100 percent -- a Grade III sprain involves a ruptured or torn ligament -- he hopes he'll be able to contribute something against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, even if it's only in obvious passing situations.

"I can't see myself on the sideline, sitting there watching my guys out there," Freeney said. "I have to think that way.

"But you never know. If (team officials) say Saturday, 'You can do this, but it would really be risky to your career,' then I'm not going to do that. I'm just hoping I don't get to the point that I have to make that type of decision."

Freeney wore flip-flops and a smile as he talked with the media. After tearing at least one ligament in his right ankle in the AFC Championship Game win over the New York Jets on Jan. 24, he spent the first week or so with his foot in a protective boot. He's trying many types of treatment to increase his odds of helping the Colts' defense deal with the Saints' No. 1-ranked offense.

"I'm treating it about 17 hours a day, throwing everything at it," Freeney said. "You name it and I've probably done it: chiropractic, from oxygen chambers, to regular therapy, to ice, everything. Everything."

The Colts are preparing for the worst, as they do whenever a starter's availability is in question. If Freeney is out, Robert Mathis will flip from his normal spot at left end and fill Freeney's void as the right-side pass-rush threat. Raheem Brock would start at left end with Keyunta Dawson and Eric Foster in the rotation."