Colts coach says Freeney ‘improving rapidly’; G Lilja misses Super Bowl practice with bad back

Colts coach says Freeney is ‘improving rapidly’

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Colts coach Jim Caldwell says injured star Dwight Freeney is rapidly improving as the Super Bowl approaches.

The All-Pro defensive end has not practiced since tearing a ligament in his right ankle in the AFC title game.

Indianapolis plays the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Colts left guard Ryan Lilja joined the injury list Thursday and sat out because of a bad back.