INDIANAPOLIS — Bob Sanders is back. At least that’s the plan heading into Sunday’s road game with the St. Louis Rams.
On Friday, Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell pronounced the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year as good to go for the matchup with the Rams.
If all goes well, the Colts strong safety will make his first start of the 2009 season. He has been sidelined since the start of training camp after undergoing knee surgery this past spring.
“He’s going to play. So we’ll probably take a look [during practice] and just kind of see how he does and if he’s feeling good. We rested him [Thursday] just to kind of give him an opportunity to get a little freshness for a day. He [was] back at it [Friday]. Everything’s going fine. If he can go, he’s starting,” Caldwell said before the start of the day’s practice session.
“Not real sure yet [how much he might play against the Rams]. We’ll kind of wait and see. We’ve got a few days. We’ll wait and see how it all unfolds and see where he is come game day. Kind of make an adjustment accordingly. You have an idea what you want to do, but then make an adjustment [once the game begins].”
For his part, Sanders feels as if he’s as ready as he’ll ever be.
“I’m excited. Just getting ready, gearing up [for the St. Louis game],” he said after Friday’s workout. “It’s been a little slow, I’ve been kind of on and off, getting some reps in here and there. I’m looking forward to getting in there and playing this week. It’s been a long time. I just started [going through full practices] this past week. It’s been along time. I can’t wait to put the pads on and see if I’ve still got it.”
His last time playing in a regular season game was in a 23-17 overtime loss to the San Diego Chargers in an AFC Wildcard matchup on Jan. 3.
“[This week’s practices have been] the only field work I’ve really gotten. I’ve got to get back to the basics, work on my technique, be fundamentally sound, read my keys. All those things have got to come back. I’m slowly getting back there. Practices are going pretty good. I’m getting through while I’m taking things slow, but I’m getting through,” Sanders said.
“It’s an exciting feeling. It feels good. I’ve been wanting to be ready for a long time now. Just being smart about it. The coaches have been great. They’ve been working through it with me, keeping me mentally in it.
“Mentally I’m at a good state. It’s just an exciting feeling.”
• Injury list — Cornerback Tim Jennings has yet to practice this week after suffering a calf injury recently. He is listed as questionable for St. Louis.
Also questionable are offensive guard Jamey Richard, running back Chad Simpson, and linebacker Freddy Keiaho. All three have been battling illness.
Offensive tackle Tony Ugoh did not practice but will be available to play this weekend. Ugoh was given Friday off to rest old injuries. Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee), cornerback Marlin Jackson (knee) and placekicker Adam Vinatieri (knee) will not play.
• Former Rams cornerback facing old team — Colts defensive assistant Rod Perry played cornerback for the Rams when the team was still located in Los Angeles. Perry played in the 1979 Super Bowl, starting in the defensive backfield against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“It’ll be a little different feeling [being on the opposing team sidelines],” Perry said Friday. “Exciting. I just remember the days back when I played, think about the players we had on our team. The way we were able to win. We were a very close team. [Former owners] Carroll and Georgia [Rosenbloom], they’re both deceased. But I have very fond memories.
“I’ve always associated the Rams with California. But it’s a business and I understand why they did [move the team to St. Louis]. But, naturally, as a former player, I associate myself with the L.A. Rams.”
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