Freeney, Powers active for Colts

From Section 252, Row 3 in Joe Roby/Pro Player/Dolphin/Land Shark/Sun Life Stadium…

 

The pre-game inactive list was just released, and Colts DE Dwight Freeney and CB Jerraud Powers ARE NOT on it. That doesn’t mean they’ll start Super Bowl XLIV, but it does mean the team believes they will be able to play some kind of role.

 

Freeney has not practiced since suffering a third-degree sprain and torn ligament in his right ankle against the Jets. Powers missed that game with a foot injury, and only began to get in some work late in the week.

 

The best bet is Freeney will give it a go, but likely be limited to obvious passing situations. Watch early how well he’s able to push off that right foot, and if he’s able to use any of his dangerous spin moves. We haven’t seen him on the field yet, but he’s expected to have the ankle heavily wrapped, limiting movement.

 

If Freeney is limited or determines the ankle just isn’t strong enough, veteran Raheem Brock is expected to start on the left side, with Robert Mathis moving to the right. Mathis and Freeney regular swap during most games, and Mathis has extensive experience going back to college on the right side, so Saints first-year starting left tackle Jermon Bushrod is hardly in the clear even if Freeney is on the bench.

 

The Colts need Powers on the field. Fellow rookie Jacob Lacey is better prepared for the nickel role – remember he was burned for an 80-yard touchdown by Braylon Edwards when he got caught looking into the backfield against the Jets. If Lacey starts, Powers will likely play the nickel role.

 

--Derek Harper