Dwight Freeney Sits Out Practice, May Miss Sunday’s Game Vs. Vikings

Dec 22, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) walks off the field after forcing the Houston Texans to punt at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The Colts are rolling with a new-look 3-4 defense featuring former all-world defensive end Dwight Freeney recast (somewhat) as a fearsome pass rushing outside linebacker. Freeney’s presence spells bad news for any passing game but unfortunately for rebuilding Indianapolis it’s looking like he might not see the field for a little while. Freeney suffered an ankle injury early in their loss blow-out to the Bears and as of Wednesday it wasn’t yet recovered enough for him to get back on the practice field. But it could be worse than just a one week injury for Freeney. Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star reports that Freeney is suffering from a high ankle sprain and could miss a couple of weeks.

If Kravitz’s report is true, you can probably forget about seeing Freeney on the field this Sunday. I say probably because, as Kravitz says, “[Freeney] is a quick healer.” Let’s hope he doesn’t heal too quick. The Vikings, who struggled against the 3-4 a little bit this preseason, would have a much better shot without Indy’s best pass rusher out there.

If Freeney does miss the game, it would mark the second straight week the Vikings caught a team without arguably their best defensive player on the field. The Vikes got the same break Week 1 when Daryl Smith went out for Jacksonville. Derek Cox, the Jags’ #1 cornerback, also missed the game, which likely played a part in the Vikings’ second half passing success. Not wishing Freeney any long-term physical issues, but if he wants to miss this week’s game, that would be swell.

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