| The Indianapolis Colts’ first practice in South Florida followed the script.Injured defensive end Dwight Freeney wasn’t on the field. Injured cornerback Jerraud Powers was on the sideline, and four-time league MVP Peyton Manning looked like his old self Wednesday.Manning completed all nine passes and threw for a touchdown against the scout team’s nickel defense, his first practice at the Miami Dolphins’ facility since the Colts reached the Super Bowl three years ago.
None of it, including the Colts’ decision to go without pads, was a surprise. “We’ve played 22 games this year,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “I want them to be nice and hungry come Sunday. If they needs pads this time of year …” Freeney, the All-Pro defensive end, has a torn ligament in his right ankle and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against New Orleans. Powers, a rookie, has a left foot injury. Both were expected to sit out Wednesday. Indy listed 19 players on its injury report. Freeney and Powers were the only players who sat out. Caldwell wouldn’t predict whether Freeney would play Sunday, though he was more optimistic about Powers. “Not certain yet,” Caldwell said. “But I can tell you this, he’s moving in the right direction.” The Colts installed most of the game plan while at home last week. op 2010 pro bowl jerseys and 2010 Super Bowl jerseys from wholesale nfl jerseys store |