Dwight Freeney did not practice with the Colts on Thursday but said he may rejoin his team on the field Friday. Freeney said extra rest has been the biggest factor in healing the torn ankle ligaments that could keep him out of Sunday’s game.

“Every second counts when it comes to getting healthy and getting back on that field – it’s not only days and hours, it’s minutes,” said Freeney in his address to the media Thursday morning. “I will probably go out and see what I can do tomorrow and then Saturday a lot more.”

The Colts opted to practice without pads Thursday, which meant Freeney probably would not have placed serious stress on the ankle anyway.

“To be honest with you, I really haven’t tested it out," Freeney said. "I haven’t really spun on it or done anything major. They (team doctors) are really holding me back there. But walking – it feels good there.”

The All-Pro defensive end was a key contributor to the Colts’ top pass-rushing defense and recorded 13 ½ sacks this season, but understands that his greatest role Sunday may be as a leader on the sideline.

“I think that the competitor in me wants to be out there on the field," he said. "I want to be as involved as I possibly can which is obviously out on the field. So I’m going to continue to think that way but if something was to happen and I can’t play in the game, you know what, I’m going to help out however I can.”

-- JENNA LAINE
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