MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Once again, Dwight Freeney has proven to be a quick healer.
The Indianapolis Colts defensive end was active Sunday night for Super Bowl XLIV against New Orleans after missing the past two weeks of practices with a sprained ankle.
Freeney is a key cog in the Colts' defense. He was elected to the Pro Bowl after finishing the season with 13.5 sacks.
Colts coach Jim Caldwell was optimistic that Freeney would play because of his quick recovery from other injuries. Freeney warmed up with the first team defense Sunday.
Freeney hurt his ankle late in the Colts' AFC Championship game victory over the New York Jets.
Rookie Jerraud Powers (fractured foot) was also active for the Colts.
Kicker Adam Vinatieri, bidding for his fifth Super Bowl ring, was inactive for Indianapolis, as was defensive end Ervin Baldwin, tight end Colin Cloherty, wide receiver Samuel Giguere, defensive tackles John Gill and Fili Moala, guard Mike Pollak and offensive tackle Michael Toudouze.
For the Saints, running back Lynell Hamilton was inactive with a sore left ankle. Wide receiver Adrian Arrington, tight end Darnell Dinkins, tight end Tory Humphrey, guard Jamar Nesbit, defensive end Paul Spicer and linebacker Anthony Waters were inactive, while Chase Daniel was the third quarterback.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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