Colts Need to Prepare for Life Without Stars

If the Indianapolis Colts hope to regain their Super Bowl form in 2008, they might have to do it without some key players.

GM Bill Polian told the press yesterday that wide receiver Marvin Harrison, defensive end Dwight Freeney, linebacker Rob Morris, defensive tackle Booger McFarland and super safety Bob Sanders could be unavailable for training camp in July because of the injuries they suffered last season. Harrison, Morris and McFarland all suffered knee injuries last season, while Freeney suffered a Lisfranc injury and Sanders had arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder after the season ended.

If that's the case, perhaps the Colts would do best to prepare for the season as if these players weren't going to be there, because some of them might not be. They certainly won't be 100% -- especially Freeney, whose torn ACL could rob him of much of his pass-rushing speed for a season.

Polian said is usually very good about finding replacements for players that leave as free agents, but he'll have a hell of a time finding players to fill one whole side of the front seven, plus All-Pros at receiver and safety. The Colts can't afford to slip up now -- not when they're in the toughest division in the AFC.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-15-2008 @ 10:44AM

ccrook said...

Oh Lord, we're in trouble without these awesome players. My favorite is Peyton #18 but these guys are part of what makes Peyton & the Colts great.

Please get well soon not just for football but yourselves as well. I've had 4 knee surgeries in 3 years incl. knee replacement so I know the pain & daily suffering. Your all in our prayers.

2-15-2008 @ 10:50AM

Joe B said...

Freeney's injury is a Lisfranc fracture/ligament tear not an ACL. Freeney still might not be right for most of the season though. Kevin Jones wasn't back from his until mid-season

Nathan Wilson said...

Uhhhh... Freeney didn't tear his ACL. McFarland did, back at the beginning of August. And he's not exactly a pass-rusher. Freeney had a Lisfranc fracture, a fracture of the arch of the foot between the ankle and the toes. Not good, but certainly not as long for a full recovery as a ACL tear would be. Besides, it's not like the Colts need to be concerned about rushing back veteran players for an extra win in the preseason. They're protecting their investments. The only way this isn't a non-story would be if Dungy had retired.

2-15-2008 @ 10:51AM

Dave said...

Joe: Thanks for the correction. I've updated this post to reflect that info.

2-16-2008 @ 12:21PM

Mike C said...

McFarland and Morris were non-factors last season, and their replacements were in many ways improvements. The Colts may release McFarland. Sanders injury isn't a threat to his effectiveness, and he could miss all of training camp without concern. The Colts sit him out of practice sometimes as it is just to keep him from hurting himself and his teammates. Harrison has been amazing, but he has to slow down one of these days - injury or not. If he has lost a step the Colts will still have a terrific passing offense. Freeney is the only real question mark on your list. The fact is that the Colts were decimated by injuries this past season, yet lost only two contested regular season games: by a total of 6 points to two of the best teams in football. With a tiny bit of luck THEY would have been the undefeated team. I'm very optimistic about next year.