The hits keep on coming for the Indianapolis Colts.
Star defensive end Dwight Freeney will miss the remainder of the season after the Colts placed him on injured reserve Wednesday with a foot injury.
Dwight Freeney is one of the NFL's highest-paid defensive players.
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
A three-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL's highest-paid defensive players since signing a six-year, $72-million contract in July that included a $30-million signing bonus, Freeney hurt his left foot in Sunday's loss at San Diego. He may require surgery.
One of pro football's elite pass rushers, Freeney averaged close to 13 sacks a year in his first four pro seasons before falling to 5.5 in 2006. In the first nine games of this season, the Syracuse University product notched 3.5 sacks and 18 tackles.
The loss of Freeney is the latest blow to a Colts team that has dropped two straight games since starting the season with seven consecutive victories.
A defeat to unbeaten New England on Nov. 4 was followed by Sunday night's wild 23-21 setback at San Diego. Despite the six interceptions thrown by star quarterback Peyton Manning, the Colts were in position to take the lead over the Chargers with 1:31 left, but kicker Adam Vinatieri missed a 29-yard field-goal try wide right.
To fill in for Freeney, Indianapolis claimed Simeon Rice off waivers Monday from Denver. The veteran pass rusher, who is 13th on the NFL's all-time list with 121 sacks, was expected to practise with the Colts on Wednesday.
Indianapolis also placed backup linebacker Victor Worsley on injured reserve Wednesday.
With files from the Associated PressRelated
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