Tom James
Tribune-Star Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS —
Just as quarterback Peyton Manning has become on iconic figure in the National Football League for what he has accomplished as an offensive player (winning the league’s Most Valuable Player award four times), Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is quickly gaining the lofty status as one of the NFL’s elite defensive players.
Freeney’s name and image continues to pop up in some pretty diverse places, from numerous music and rap videos to appearances on television programs like “Dr. Phil.”
But that’s what happens when an athlete of his stature prepares to enter his ninth year in the NFL. He’s gone from a fresh-faced rookie from Syracuse to being one of the most feared defensive players in the league.
Now, instead of being the student learning the professional game from former Colts defensive end Chad Braztke, he’s the teacher for younger defensive ends like 2010 first-round draft pick Jerry Hughes and John Chick.
Both Hughes and Chick are still learning what life in the NFL is like, especially when they’re playing behind two players of the stature of defensive ends Robert Mathis and Freeney.
“It’s a tough situation for Jerry because he has me and Robert in front of him right now. He has to get on the field somehow. He’ll get his opportunities coming up in these last two preseason games,” Freeney said Monday.
“Really, he’ll [see more playing time] in the last preseason game. But there’s no rush for Jerry. There’s not a dire, dire need where we need Jerry now or it’s all over. Jerry’s going to learn the system. He’s going to learn how to play Colts ball. He gets better every day. And he’s continuing to learn. When he gets his opportunity, things happen. People get hurt, out for the season. He has to step in there and play, be a starter.”
Freeney recalls learning from Braztke early in his rookie year.
“It happened to me when I was a rookie. I was just [in the game for] third-down situations. Then there was an injury and I went in there. And that was it,” he said, looking back.
He also took a few minutes to ponder what it’s like being a veteran in the league.
“In the game of football, and it’s the same as in any other sport, you’re not going to be there forever,” Freeney said.
• Roster moves — The Colts waived undrafted rookie quarterback Tim Hiller on Monday. Hiller had played in one preseason game, getting work last week against Buffalo. That leaves Curtis Painter and Tom Brandstater as the only quarterbacks on the roster besides Manning.
Indianapolis, meanwhile, has added running back Allen Patrick and cornerback Glenn Sharpe. Patrick was a 2007 draft pick of the Ravens and has also played with the Browns, Jaguars and Giants. Sharpe was an undrafted free agent in 2008 who has played with the Falcons and Saints.
• Injury report — Missing Monday’s practice were tight end Dallas Clark (leg), running back Javarris James, running back Devin Moore, offensive guard Jaimie Thomas (foot), wide receiver Austin Collie, center Jeff Saturday (knee), offensive tackle Charlie Johnson (foot), cornerback Jerraud Powers (foot), tight end Brody Eldridge and linebacker Trevor Anderson.
Powers remains hopeful of playing at Green Bay on Thursday night. “There’s still a chance of playing,” he said. “We’re just trying to get the soreness out.”
The second-year defensive back from Auburn had surgery on is right foot late last season. Powers said he developed soreness in the foot after intercepting a pass against the 49ers in the first preseason game. “I think it was all those nifty cut moves [on the return],” he joked.
Offensive guard/tackle Tony Ugoh returned for Monday’s practice. Ugoh had sat out Sunday’s workout. The absence of Moore and Javarris James means that undrafted rookie Brandon James will most likely handle kickoff and punt returns against the Packers.
Safety Bob Sanders, who missed most of last season (torn bicep), should be able to start his second straight preseason game. “You can always be sharper. I was a little rusty [against the Bills],” Sanders said.
