Dwight Freeney Ruled Out For Colts' Week 2 Game

Dwight Freeney Ruled Out For Vikings-Colts Game

Indianapolis Colts' seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Dwight Freeney will not play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, as it was reported by Mike Chappell of The Indianapolis Star.

Freeney suffered an ankle injury in the Colts' season opener against the Chicago Bears and has not practiced all week. Third-year linebacker Jerry Hughes will fill in for Freeney. Hughes recorded 15 tackles for Indianapolis in 2011.

Here's Vikings coach Leslie Frazier on how not having Freeney would impact game planning:

"Well, Dwight is one of those game wreckers now," Frazier said this week. "He has been for a long, long time. I witnessed him just destroying offenses' game plans and people just changing their game plans because of Dwight, much like they do here with Jared (Allen).

"So, to not have Dwight on the field, it would definitely change how offenses approach you. It would change how we would approach the Colts if he didn't play. That's just the way it is. He's that dominant of a player, even at this stage of his career. He's still a guy that can change the game."

For more on the Colts, head over to the SB Nation blog Stampede Blue.

Dwight Freeney Injury: Sprained Ankle, Status Uncertain

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Dwight Freeney has sprained his ankle and will see a specialist on Monday for the results of an MRI, according to coach Chuck Pagano.

Freeney sustained the injury in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears, when an opposing offensive lineman appeared to clip the back of his heel, forcing the 32-year-old to limp off the field. He was unable to return to the contest.

Playing in his first game at outside linebacker after spending the entirety of his career at defensive end, Freeney is a huge component to the Colts' defensive scheme. Depending on the severity of the injury, however, the team may need to plan for a future without him.

Via The Sporting News:

"That's huge," veteran defensive end Cory Redding said of losing Freeney. "Not knowing how bad the injury is, but we miss his presence out there. Next man up. Next person has to step up and play."

For more on the Colts, head over to the SB Nation blog Stampede Blue.

Dwight Freeney Injury: Colts OLB Hurts Ankle, Questionable To Return

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Dwight Freeney has headed to the locker room with an apparent ankle injury during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. It's unclear whether he'll be able to return to the game after some treatment.

The Bears have tweeted that Freeney is questionable to return, so it's not out of the question that the Colts will get back their premier pass rusher. This season, Freeney is converting to outside linebacker after spending the entirety of his professional career at defensive end.

In 2011, Freeney recorded 13 tackles and 8.5 sacks over 16 games (including 15 starts), his lowest sack total since 2007, when he played in just nine games due to injury. The Colts are currently tied 7-7 with the Bears early in the second quarter of No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck's professional debut.

For more on the Colts, head over to the SB Nation blog Stampede Blue.