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Dwight Freeney News & Rumors

DE Freeney is only Colt selected to Pro Bowl
December 28
Indianapolis Star
 
"At least the Indianapolis Colts didn't get shut out of the Pro Bowl. Despite a humbling 2-13 season and his lowest sack total since 2007, defensive end Dwight Freeney was the Colts' lone selection in Pro Bowl balloting, announced Tuesday night on NFL Network and NFL.com. The 10th-year pro earned his seventh trip to Hawaii, although his 71/2 sacks are second on the Colts to defensive end Robert Mathis, who has 81/2. Mathis made his third trip last season. "It is always an honor to be selected to the Pro Bowl by the fans and your peers," Freeney said in a team release. "No matter how many times you get picked, it is always special and something that I will always cherish. "This is something"
Colts notebook: Freeney reaches milestone by getting to quarterback
December 12
Indianapolis Star
 
"Mario Addison has been with the Indianapolis Colts for less than a month but is a quick study when it comes to Dwight Freeney. "He's a demon," Addison said. Addison, a first-year defensive end who was claimed off waivers last month, was speaking up for Freeney on Sunday. The Colts six-time Pro Bowl defensive end departed M&T Bank Stadium without comment after the Baltimore Ravens 24-10 win. Freeney provided one of the few bright spots in the Colts' 13th consecutive loss with two sacks of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. The first -- he ran through guard Ben Grubbs and jumped on Flacco's back -- pushed his total to 100.5, making him just the 26th player in NFL history with at least 100. "That"
Freeney says Colts still have something to play for against Ravens
December 10
Baltimore Sun
 
"Dwight Freeney is a video-game aficionado who enjoys playing titles such as "Call of Duty: Black Ops," "God of War III" and the "Madden NFL" franchise. So the Indianapolis defensive end didn't need much elaboration when asked during a conference call with Baltimore media Wednesday if he wished he could hit the reset button on the Colts' 0-12 season. "Absolutely," Freeney said. "Obviously, you don't want to have a season like this. Us especially, we're not used to this at all. We're used to making the playoffs nine years straight and all that and win records and all that. So this is definitely a different feeling." Indeed, the 2011 season is far from what people inside and outside of the"
Notebook: Sack chances dry up for Freeney, Colts
November 13
Indianapolis Star
 
"For those keeping track, the streak is now 35 days, covering five games and 140 drop-back opportunities. That's how long it has been since Dwight Freeney, the Indianapolis Colts' six-time Pro Bowl defensive end, has added to his club-record sack total. "It's frustrating because you want to have more impact on the game," he said. The last of Freeney's 981/2 career sacks came in the third quarter of the Colts' Oct. 9 loss to Kansas City. He and Robert Mathis, his left-side complement, also shared a sack of Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel in the second quarter."
Colts DE Dwight Freeney approaching 100-sack milestone
October 14
Indianapolis Star
 
"So many are a blur in Dwight Freeney's mind. One sack after another after another. They're like their creator. He can be a vapor trail at the snap of the football, empty air to an offensive tackle left to deal with the Indianapolis Colts' whirling dervish of a defensive end bearing down on the next quarterback. Ask Freeney about the first of his 981/2 career sacks and his eyes widen as he flips through the Rolodex in his mind. Wasn't it against the Tennessee Titans and Steve McNair, he wondered? Nope. Houston Texans and David Carr."
Browns' banged-up offensive line next has to deal with Indianapolis Colts' Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis
September 15
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"It didn't take long for the discussion with Browns offensive linemen Wednesday to turn to Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. "[The Indianapolis Colts' defensive ends] are premier guys," lineman Artis Hicks said. "They have a special skill set. We give them a chance to pin their ears back and get after the quarterback and they can be a nightmare. We have to keep out of those Freeney-Mathis killer downs. "Both of those guys have the ability to change the outcome of the game. That's rare that you see a defensive lineman, defensive end, that can literally change the outcome. They are that special.""
Notebook: Defense feels no extra pressure
August 26
Indianapolis Star
 
"Defensive end Dwight Freeney said it would be a problem if the Colts defense thought, "'Oh well, Peyton's there, so we can just put our feet up and relax.'" The defense does not worry about its QB. A serious question or two accompany the Indianapolis Colts as they creep closer to their Sept. 11 regular-season opener at Houston. Peyton Manning? Kerry Collins? Here's another. Will the defense need to carry a heavier load if Manning starts but needs a few games to find his rhythm, or if Collins gets the nod and runs a watered-down version of the offense? The latter is a question the defense summarily dismisses heading into tonight's game against the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay"
Manning, Freeney, Wayne, Mathis earn Pro Bowl trips -- but only if Colts don't reach Super Bowl
December 29
Indianapolis Star
 
"Hawaii isn't the most desired destination, but four Indianapolis Colts can count on the Pro Bowl for an enjoyable getaway if they don't reach the Super Bowl. Quarterback Peyton Manning, defensive end Dwight Freeney, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive end Robert Mathis were repeat selections Tuesday for the AFC-NFC all-star game, which returns to Honolulu on Jan. 30 after being played in Miami last February. But Super Bowl participants don't get to take the Hawaiian vacation. That would suit the Colts just fine. "It's definitely a plan B," said Wayne, chosen for the fifth consecutive year. "That's what you want it to be. For everybody in this locker room and organization, the ultimate"
Freeney's effect immeasurable
December 26
Indianapolis Star
 
"Dwight Freeney's raw numbers in last Sunday's win over Jacksonville were easy to overlook because there were so few. The Indianapolis Colts' five-time Pro Bowl defensive end finished with zero tackles, zero sacks and two pressures of Jaguars quarterback David Garrard. "Stats," Freeney said with a crooked smile, "lie sometimes." There was no better example than the Jacksonville game. Freeney seemed to be in the Jaguars backfield as much as Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew. He dominated left tackle Eugene Monroe. In the third quarter with Jacksonville backed up inside its 20, Freeney beat Monroe, got in Garrard's face and forced a throwaway. Replays showed Garrard should have"
'It's not the end of the world'
November 29
Indianapolis Star
 
"As soon as Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney had showered then toweled off the stench of Sunday night's 36-14 home loss to San Diego, he reminded anyone who would listen that all was not lost amid the embarrassment. "It's not the end of the world," he said of the Colts' worst home loss since 1997. It just seemed like it. The Colts typically don't lose like this. They don't get blown out. Especially not at home. "That was a butt-whipping, plain and simple," said Colts left tackle Charlie Johnson. "There's really no other way to sugar coat it or say it. "They came in here and they put it on us pretty good. It happened. You've got to live with it." Optimists in need of hope"
Dwight Freeney wins AFC defensive honors
November 3
Indianapolis Star
 
"Dwight Freeney has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. The Indianapolis Colts veteran defensive end had two sacks and one forced fumble in Monday night's 30-17 win over the Houston Texans. Freeney's sacks came on the Texans' first and last possession. His strip-sack of Houston quarterback Matt Schaub with about one minute remaining sealed the victory."
Colts Dwight Freeney wins AFC defensive honors
November 3
Indianapolis Star
 
"Dwight Freeney has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. The Indianapolis Colts veteran defensive end had two sacks and one forced fumble in Monday night's 30-17 win over the Houston Texans. Freeney's sacks came on the Texans' first and last possession. His stripe-sack of Houston quarterback Matt Schaub with about one minute remaining sealed the victory."
Another Syracuse reunion for Donovan McNabb and Dwight Freeney
October 17
Indianapolis Star
 
"Maybe it's selective amnesia or a reflection of Donovan McNabb's advanced age. Whatever the case, the Washington Redskins veteran quarterback -- he's 33 and in his 12th season -- insists he doesn't remember much about the day he and another Syracuse University standout met for the first time on the NFL stage. It was Nov. 10, 2002, and Dwight Freeney, a rookie defensive end with the Indianapolis Colts, was making his first start against McNabb's Philadelphia Eagles. "It didn't work out well in our favor," McNabb said in a midweek conference call. "I do remember that part of it." That's it? No details? McNabb was reminded of Freeney's coming-out party: seven tackles, three forced fumbles,"
Broncos do have options in handling Colts' Dwight Freeney
September 24
Denver Post
 
"Anyone who watched the Colts' win over the Giants Sunday night got a clear picture of what can happen to an offense that tries to block Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney with just one blocker — tackle David Diehl. And over and over again Diehl looked somewhat overwhelmed as Freeney continually went around or powered his way through Diehl, on his way to Giants' quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants didn't adjust, didn't put a tight end out there, didn't use a running back in to chip Freeney on the way by. They continued to stick to what was obviously their pregame plan to use one of their best blockers — Diehl — on the Colts' best pass rusher. In retrospect, a poor decision, since"
Sports Illustrated's omission upsets Freeney
September 24
Indianapolis Star
 
"Dwight Freeney, the Indianapolis Colts' all-time sack leader, did a double take when shown Peter King's "five most fearsome pass rushers for 2010 and beyond" in the Sports Illustrated NFL Preview edition. Freeney wasn't among them. The ninth-year pro, who has boosted his franchise-record career sack total to 87 with three in two games this season, took issue with the No. 4 selection: Washington's Brian Orakpo. "Who is this?" Freeney asked, pointing to Orakpo's name. The second-year outside linebacker had 11 sacks as a Redskins rookie and was selected to the Pro Bowl. "When you put Brian Orakpo -- and nothing against the guy, he is 24 -- but mention him over me, that hurts your credibility"
Colts' Freeney, Mathis feast when foes turn to the pass
September 23
Indianapolis Star
 
"As the feeding frenzy mounted between the white lines Sunday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, a group of hungry mouths formed along the Indianapolis Colts' sideline. It was the second half of the lopsided win over the New York Giants -- the Colts led 24-0 at the half -- and a lot of defensive linemen wanted to eat. "That's when you get hungry as a defensive lineman," tackle Daniel Muir said, his eyes wide and his grin wider. "We're on the sideline fighting for reps at that time. We get up two or three touchdowns, we're ready to go." Robert Mathis isn't as chatty as Muir. Asked about the mind-set of a defensive lineman when a quarterback finds himself hopelessly behind and forced to rely almost"
Colts Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis feast on Giants Eli Manning
September 20
Indianapolis Star
 
"The opportunity to get up close and personal with a Manning wasn't wasted by Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Unable to lay a hand on quarterback Peyton Manning during Indianapolis Colts' practices, the Pro Bowl defensive ends took out their frustrations on Manning's little brother. Each had two sacks against Eli Manning, the New York Giants' beleaguered quarterback, during Sunday night's 38-14 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. "Yeah, finally got that opportunity,'' Freeney said, smiling. "I got him one time in the Pro Bowl, but that doesn't count.'' Occasionally, Peyton Manning will saunter up to his pass-rushing teammates and urge them to turn up the heat. "He didn't say anything,'' said"
Freeney sick of the Manning hype
September 17
Indianapolis Star
 
"Dwight Freeney grasps the reason behind the immense buildup to the Indianapolis Colts' Sunday night home opener at Lucas Oil Stadium against the New York Giants. You know, the game pitting Peyton Manning and younger brother Eli. "I do understand why they do it," the Colts' Pro Bowl defensive end said. "Trying to sell, and quarterbacks sell. Points, touchdowns. (The quarterbacks') face is always on the camera with the ball. They always have the ball more, so I guess marketability and all that stuff." Freeney paused. "Makes sense," he said, "but I don't like it. I really have never been into that whole 'Manning' thing. I'm a defensive guy." There was no venom in Freeney's rhetoric. Just a"
8 Colts ruled out of game against 49ers
August 15
Indianapolis Star
 
"The Indianapolis Colts have ruled eight players out of Sunday's preseason opener with the San Francisco 49ers in Lucas Oil Stadium, and there might be more. Coach Jim Caldwell said the chances of safety Bob Sanders playing "are slim.'' It's also possible defensive end Dwight Freeney and receiver Anthony Gonzalez will be held out of the game. Sanders participated in this morning's light workout at Anderson University, but Freeney and Gonzalez were among several players who did not. The list of players who will not play consists of tight end Dallas Clark, defensive tackle Keyunta Dawson, wide receiver Pierre Garcon, linebackers Clint Session and Ramon Humber, offensive tackle Charlie"
Dwight Freeney plays with ankle injury, but Indianapolis Colts' defense struggles in 2nd half
February 8
Indianapolis Star
 
"This was not the exit of a hero. It was much too quiet and so unnoticed. As the New Orleans Saints celebrated with "Who Dat" chants into the midnight hour, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney lowered his head, was helped from an interview podium and carted off to a bus. The cart had to stop. It took a few moments for people to make a path. Nobody seemed to care to move. He hung his head in disgust. When Freeney finally reached his next ride, he stepped gingerly on his right ankle, an injury the NFL world made such a fuss about the past two weeks, the one with a ligament tear. It hurt. The Pro Bowl pass rusher had done what he could to inspire his team. He had a one-handed sack"
Freeney says long halftime hampered ability to play in second half
February 8
ESPN.com
 
"Somehow, the Indianapolis Colts knew Dwight Freeney would play. A man doesn't spend 17 hours a day rehabbing a swollen right ankle for nothing. Freeney didn't even take a cortisone shot Sunday before he took the field against the New Orleans Saints. Didn't talk to his teammates about the pain. And when he spun around in his trademark whirling-dervish move, it appeared as if everything would go right for the Colts. Three hours and Saints three touchdowns later, Freeney braced himself against the shoulder of a PR guy in a suit and limped off into the night. He defied sports medicine and all the early reports that said there was little chance he'd play in Super Bowl XLIV with an ankle that at"
Valiant Dwight Freeney plays through pain for Indianapolis Colts, fades down stretch vs. Saints
February 8
New York Daily News
 
"The world's most famous injured ankle was ready for the start of the Super Bowl. But Dwight Freeney's throbbing right ankle worsened as the game progressed and the Colts' pass rush and defense seemed to fade almost simultaneously. The Saints scored more points in each quarter as the game went on, getting 15 in the fourth to stun the Colts. Freeney had the game's only sack, but it came early, and Drew Brees eventually picked apart Indianapolis' defense, completing passes seemingly at will in the second half as Freeney's pain increased. "Obviously there was a little pain but it was good enough that I knew I could go out there and contribute," Freeney said. "After halftime it was real tough,"
Freeney receives pre-game treatment: Status for game still unsure
February 7
ESPN.com
 
"Dwight Freeney arrived at Sun Life Stadium at 1:50 p.m. Sunday and began receiving treatment on his injured right ankle, but word has not come down about his ability to play for the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl. Freeney was expected to test the torn ligament on the field by 4:30 p.m., according to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio. He watched the Colts' final Super Bowl practice from a golf car on Saturday. The All-Pro defensive end hasn't practiced since tearing a ligament in his right ankle late in the AFC title game Jan. 24."
No Freeney in Colts' walk-through
February 7
Washington Post
 
"Defensive end Dwight Freeney did not participate in the Indianapolis Colts' walk-through Saturday on the day before the Super Bowl. According to a pool reporter, Freeney spent the entire walk-through on a golf cart. Freeney was seen walking gingerly but did not have his severely sprained ankle wrapped, according to the pool reporter. Freeney hasn't practiced since being injured late in the AFC championship game. The Colts have called Freeney's injury a third-degree ankle sprain and have listed him as questionable on the official injury report. Freeney said Thursday that he planned to test his ankle with some activity Friday or Saturday. That didn't happen, unless the Colts chose to test"
Freeney spends practice on golf cart, status TBD before game
February 7
Indianapolis Star
 (scroll down)
"Defensive end Dwight Freeney completed a second consecutive week without practicing because of a Grade III sprain to his right ankle. Freeney spent the practice session on a golf cart. Coach Jim Caldwell said after practice that Freeney continued to improve. Freeney's availability against the New Orleans Saints likely won't be determined until pregame warm-ups. If Freeney plays, he probably will be limited to pass-rush situations."
Freeney misses practice, still questionable for Sunday
February 6
Indianapolis Star
 (scroll down)
"Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney did not practice on his Grade III right ankle sprain and is questionable. Caldwell said Freeney might test the ankle with some light running and simulated practice later Friday, then again today. "This is right in line with our plans," Caldwell said. "He's making very good progress.""
Colts' Jim Caldwell: Dwight Freeney 'trending in the right direction,' but still a day-to-day situation
February 5
USA Today
 
"Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell took the stage in front of media for the final time before Super Bowl XLIV and spoke about Dwight Freeney, his injured defensive end. "He's trending in the right direction," Caldwell said. "He's better, but we'll see. It's still a day-to-day situation and we'll see how he is at the end of the day.""
The Super Bowl X factor: How Dwight Freeney affects Colts
February 5
USA Today
 
"It's the $64 million X factor of Super Bowl week.How will defensive end Dwight Freeney's right ankle affect the outcome? "It's a question of: How efficient can you be if you're 50, 60 or 70%?" Indianapolis Colts defensive line coach John Teerlinck said. "No one will know until it happens." Freeney, whose all-pro status is built on speed, leverage and an array of pass-rush techniques, has reported progress in the healing of ligament damage in his right ankle during each of the week's media sessions. He said Thursday that the foot was still a little sore and that he was encouraged that swelling continued to decrease. SUPER BOWL PICKS: Our analysts project the winner "Every time I wake up in"
The progress of injured defensive end Dwight Freeney and other hobbled Colts continues to get close scrutiny
February 5
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Neither star defensive end Dwight Freeney nor starting cornerback Jerraud Powers attended the Indianapolis Colts' practice Wednesday for Super Bowl XLIV, according to a pool report from the Pro Football Writers Association. Freeney, who suffered a severe low ankle sprain against the visiting New York Jets in the AFC championship game Jan. 24, and Powers, who was scratched from that game with a foot injury, were not at the Miami Dolphins' facility where the Colts worked out. The team is practicing in shells and will refrain from full contact drills all week, according to the report. On Thursday morning, Freeney appeared at the Colts' media event at their hotel, this time wearing a"
What should Freeney do?
February 5
Indianapolis Star
 columnist Bob Kravitz
"On Thursday, the last day of media availability for the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, Raheem Brock continued to beat the drum loudly. "If Dwight (Freeney) can't go, I'll start on the left (defensive end) and Robert (Mathis) will be on the right," he said matter-of-factly. "That's what we're going to do." Let me ask this question: Since when do the Colts volunteer information when it comes to game or personnel strategy? Did I miss the memo? What's next, Peyton Manning goes to the podium and shares what he's going to do on the team's first 15 offensive plays? This is a smokescreen. This is a ruse. This is a Super Bowl Week mind game, starring Brock, Mathis and anybody else who"
Healing Indianapolis Colts DE Dwight Freeney to test ankle Friday
February 5
New York Daily News
 
"Things are starting to look better for Colts sack master Dwight Freeney ... literally. "It is starting to look more like an ankle now," he said Thursday. What was a swollen grapefruit on his right foot seems to be getting down to a navel orange. By Super Bowl Sunday, the defensive end is hoping he'll reap the fruits of his round-the-clock therapy. "I am still day to day. Every time I wake up in the morning I reassess the situation," he said. "I haven't seen the trainers yet this morning, so I haven't heard what they have to say about it. I'm just feeling it out. It's starting to feel a little better. It is definitely a little sore. I think that is the nature of the injury, but it is making"
Indianapolis Colts' practice injury report
February 5
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Three Indianapolis Colts players did not practice Thursday. They were defensive end Dwight Freeney (ankle), cornerback Jerraud Powers (foot), and guard Ryan Lilja (back). Freeney, a perennial All-Pro, has now not practiced since suffering a third degree low ankle sprain in the AFC championship game. His right ankle was wrapped in a tight black wrap/brace Thursday morning, and he said he did not expect he would be able to sprint or cut until Friday or Saturday."
Colts' Raheem Brock: 'Nobody's panicking but the media'
February 4
USA Today
 
"Though Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney said Wednesday that his injured ankle is feeling "a lot better than yesterday," the Colts are still unsure of the Pro Bowler's availability in Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday. Should Freeney not be able to play, his replacement in the starting lineup isn't concerned about the defense letting up. "We'll still go out and do what we do," eight-year veteran Raheem Brock said Wednesday "The defensive line is the strong point of our defense," Brock added. "You can't double team all four of us ... We have a lot of guys that can play both inside and outside (on the defensive line). That helps our defense overall. We're faster. We're blitzing from"
Colts' Dwight Freeney: Ankle is 'still sore, but it's making progress'
February 4
USA Today
 
"With just three days until Super Bowl XLIV, the 'Dwight Freeney Ankle Watch' is still the buzz around the AFC champion Indianapolis Colts. But the news on the injury seems to be more of the same. "Still day-to-day," Freeney said Thursday at the Colts' hotel. "Every time I wake up, I reassess the situation." But, he added, "it looks a lot more like an ankle now." On Tuesday, Freeney limped significantly with a very swollen ankle as he made his way through the throng of media members at Super Bowl media day, but then said Wednesday that the ankle felt better as he sat with the injured extremity raised on a chair. "It's still sore," he said Thursday, "but it's making progress." Freeney said"
Dwight Freeney makes pitch for Keith Bulluck
February 4
Tennessean
 
"If the Titans don't re-sign Keith Bulluck, All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney would like to see the veteran linebacker finish his career with the Colts. "To have a guy who has the experience that he does around the locker room … that would be a tremendous help,'' Freeney said Wednesday. Bulluck and Freeney were teammates at Syracuse and remain friends. Bulluck, recovering from ACL surgery, is slated to become a free agent in March if the Titans don't re-sign him. "He is a tremendous athlete, tremendous talent, and a great guy off the field and I am definitely pulling for him, hoping that his knee comes back together, which I know it will," Freeney said. "Keith has worked so hard at what"
New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts release injury reports
February 4
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Only one player missed practice for the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday: tailback Lynell Hamilton, who had a protective boot over his sprained ankle. The Indianapolis Colts were missing two players: defensive end Dwight Freeney (ankle) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (foot). Here's the complete injury report for both teams: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Did not participate in practice RB Lynell Hamilton (ankle) Limited participation in practice CB Randall Gay (foot), CB Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), DE Bobby McCray (back, ankle), S Pierson Prioleau (quadricep), WR Courtney Roby (knee), S Darren Sharper (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (knee), DE Will Smith (groin), T Zach Strief (shoulder), LB Jonathan Vilma"
Freeney uncertain; Powers: I will play
February 4
Indianapolis Star
 
"Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney continued to rest his Grade III sprained right ankle and rookie cornerback Jerraud Powers did the same with his left foot injury as neither practiced Wednesday afternoon in the Indianapolis Colts' first South Florida workout in preparation for Super Bowl XLIV. Freeney remained optimistic but uncertain about his status for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, while Powers has assured he'll be ready. They were the only Colts who sat out. Freeney propped up his ankle on a chair during morning interviews and when asked how it felt said, "A lot better than (Tuesday)." When pressed if he was more optimistic about playing with the injury he sustained"
Freeney plays coy about ankle
February 3
Indianapolis Star
 
"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"
Freeney plays coy about ankle
February 3
Indianapolis Star
 
"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"
Freeney expects to play in Super Bowl
February 2
Indianapolis Star
 
"Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney stared down a huge gathering of reporters at media day this morning and said he expects to play in Super Bowl XLIV. I'm day to day," Freeney said from Sun Life Stadium. "I see myself playing on Sunday." Freeney is dealing with a third degree sprain in his right ankle. Freeney and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning attracted the most attention from the media in the one-hour session that started 20 minutes late and was moved inside the stadium due to rain earlier in the week. The crowd around Freeney was approximately 6 deep, similar to the throng surrounding Manning."
Freeney's value can't be overstated
February 2
Indianapolis Star
 columnist Bob Kravitz
"Uh-oh. This changes everything, maybe even the fate of the Colts-Saints Super Bowl. We're talking here about Dwight Freeney's ankle, soon to be the most closely monitored ankle since Curt Schilling and the bloody sock. Or Barbaro, although I'm thinking euthanasia is highly unlikely in this case. Even if defensive end Freeney plays with a Grade III ankle sprain Sunday when the Indianapolis Colts take on the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV, he will not be vintage Freeney, not even close. The doctors can tape him up like a mummy and give him enough anesthetic to numb up a yak, but he's not going to have his usual explosion, his usual speed, his usual leverage. This is his right ankle,"
Colts prepare for the worst regarding Freeney
February 2
Indianapolis Star
 
"The Indianapolis Colts arrived in South Florida on Monday afternoon in preparation for Super Bowl XLIV, guardedly optimistic Dwight Freeney's aching and suddenly newsworthy right ankle won't keep him out of their most important game in three years. A pair of orthopedic surgeons aren't ready to fall in line. At best, they said, it's highly unlikely the Colts' five-time Pro Bowl defensive end and career sack leader will be his usual disruptive self against the New Orleans Saints in Sun Life Stadium on Sunday. A Grade III sprain won't allow it. "This is a guy who depends on his push-off and speed and he's going to be hindered by (the injury) significantly," said Steven Weinfeld, the chief"
Colts uncertain on Super status of DE Freeney
February 1
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney's ankle injury could force him to miss Super Bowl XLIV against the Saints, multiple media outlets reported Sunday. Freeney hurt his ankle in the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game. He ran past Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, and his foot appeared to get caught on the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium. Freeney hopped a bit, but he jogged off the field without assistance. His agent, Gary Wichard, said that Freeney has been getting "non-stop" treatment on his sprained ankle in the hopes of being able to play in the Super Bowl. NFL.com reported that Freeney had considerable ligament damage in his right ankle. ESPN reported that he had a torn"
Freeney's health becomes an issue
February 1
Indianapolis Star
 
"The effectiveness, even the availability, of defensive end Dwight Freeney for Super Bowl XLIV because of an ankle injury likely will cause angst among the Indianapolis Colts and has injected an unexpected story line into the days leading up to the NFL's championship game Sunday. A Colts' spokesman said the team's career sack leader suffered "a third-degree, low basketball ankle sprain'' in their Jan. 24 AFC Championship Game victory over the New York Jets. "We expect him to be questionable for the Super Bowl,'' Craig Kelley said Sunday night. In an interview with NFL Network at Sunday night's Pro Bowl at Sun Life Stadium, Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne said, "Dwight told me he'll be"
Source: Freeney begins treatments
January 31
ESPN.com
 
"Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is fighting an uphill battle to play in Super Bowl XLIV that could keep him from being a big defensive force in the game. Freeney flew to South Florida on Friday to begin a battery of treatments to fix an ankle injury suffered during the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game, according to a source. Freeney set up the use of a hyperbaric chamber to help, a usual technique he uses to try to heal from injuries quickly. He is also using a device called ARP that is similar to a stem device to move the blood supply to the damaged ankle. The ARP operates differently than normal stem devices, but ARP has helped him in past years recover quickly"
Freeney, Bethea may not go to Miami early
January 29
Indianapolis Star
 
"If the Indianapolis Colts had their druthers, they would practice today and Saturday, take Sunday off, have a light practice Monday, then depart for Miami. The NFL, of course, has other ideas, and Colts president Bill Polian has made it clear his team doesn't like them. The league has required the Colts' seven Pro Bowl players to be present Sunday evening in Miami, even though they won't play in the Pro Bowl that night. Stay tuned. "There are some injury situations involved in it, so it just depends on whether or not the doctors make a determination on flying at that time: Is it good for them, not good for them or whatever it might be," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said Thursday. "It could"
Colts' Dwight Freeney may skip Pro Bowl visit
January 28
Indianapolis Star
 
"Indianapolis Colts star pass rusher Dwight Freeney might skip Sunday's NFL-mandated media obligation at the Pro Bowl in Miami. Colts coach Jim Caldwell said today team doctors will decide if it's in the defensive end's best interest to fly a day early as opposed to sticking to a treatment routine for his sprained right ankle and arriving with teammates on Monday. "Some of it I don't know because of the fact there are some injury situations involved in it," Caldwell said. "So it just depends on whether or not the doctor's determination on flying at that time is good for them or not good for them or whatever it might be. "There could also be a situation where, because of treatment, there"
Speedy Colt DEs addicted to sacks
January 22
New York Post
 
"Colts defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will be sprinters Sunday afternoon. The finish line won't be yellow tape, though. It will be the 6 on Mark Sanchez's jersey. The two Colts ends are the quickest tandem in the NFL, and they are sure to give the Jets offense some headaches. "They have a great get-off, especially in the silent count," Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. "They're what we call a one-gap penetrating defensive line. They're not stopping to read things. They're trying to knock people back. If you don't do a good job of controlling your cadence, if you don't do a good job of getting off on your snap count, they can create piles for people. "It"
Freeney, Mathis will be tough on home turf
January 15
Baltimore Sun
 columnist Mike Preston
"Ravens offensive tackles Michael Oher and Jared Gaither won the battle last time, but the Indianapolis Colts won the war. Round 2 begins Saturday night when Gaither and Oher meet Colts defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis in an AFC semifinal, only this time the game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium instead of in Baltimore. Advantage: Mathis and Freeney. "I've never played in Indianapolis Stadium," said Oher, the Ravens' rookie right tackle who will match up against Mathis. "But I did play in all the SEC stadiums, and they are pretty loud, too. There is nothing you can do about the crowd noise. Being on the road in the NFL is a big help to the home team. You just got to focus"