Colts Getting Reinforcements

You know what’s a scary thought? The undefeated Indianapolis Colts are about to get even better over the next few weeks. That’s right reinforcements are on the way. Remember they’ve been playing without wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez since the season opener. On top of that they haven’t had safety Bob Sanders on the field for a single snap this year. After those two there have been numerous key players out for extended periods.

Gonzalez is obviously the main guy that quarterback Peyton Manning wants back on the field. The receiver won’t be on the field this week when the team takes on the St. Louis Rams (like they need him in that game) but he’s very close to returning. In fact, Gonzalez should be practicing any day now and could make an appearance in week eight.

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“It’s kind of a day to day thing,” head coach Jim Caldwell said. “He’s been feeling really good. He has not obviously practiced to this point, but we do feel that he’s going to start shortly. When that is, I’m not certain.”

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Not exactly a ringing endorsement but it does tell you that Peyton’s about to get one of his favorite toys back soon.

The Colts are expected to have Sanders in the lineup this weekend. Sanders hasn’t played a game since January due to an injured knee. Sanders has been practicing and has had absolutely no setbacks. Want to know how healthy he is? He’s not even listed on the teams injury report.

“The mental aspect, I believe, he’s been on top of for a while,” Caldwell said. “He has not missed a meeting. He’s been in every single situation he could be involved in. In that regard, we certainly feel he’s going to be up to speed.”

Now that’s the kind of endorsement you want from a coach. Expect Sanders to be starting at safety for the Colts this weekend.

Those were the two main guys the Colts were missing. I’ll give you a quick rundown of other players about to return

• Cornerback Kelvin Hayden has missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury, he should be back in his starting role this week.
• Left tackle Charlie Johnson has been out with a knee injury of his own but should also return this week.
• The Colts should also get cornerback Marlin Jackson back within the next two weeks. He’s been dealing with a strained ACL.
• Unfortunately there is no word yet on when kicker Adam Vinatieri will return from his knee injury.

So do you see what I mean about scary thoughts? The Colts have been absolutely amazing this season. Peyton and the offense haven’t missed a beat with the new coaching staff. While the defense (minus the Dolphins game) has looked pretty damn solid themselves.

How can you not think the team will get better as they get back key pieces? On top of that they’ll be well rested pieces for the stretch run.

If the Colts haven’t already proved that they are the team to beat in the AFC, they’ll definitely be proving it soon.