Colts’ Wayne aggravates knee injury, leaves Super Bowl practice early

Wayne leaves practice early after hurting knee

mFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Reggie Wayne gave the Indianapolis Colts quite a scare Friday when he pulled up short on a pass route.

He’s still expected to play in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

The four-time Pro Bowl receiver left practice 20 minutes early after aggravating an injured right knee.

Coach Jim Caldwell said Wayne hurt the soft tissue below his kneecap. Wayne is listed as probable and Caldwell plans on him playing against New Orleans. Wayne got through the injury most of the season.

But the Colts still don’t have an answer on All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney. He hasn’t practiced since tearing a ligament in his right ankle during the AFC title game.

Freeney wanted to test the ankle Friday and he still could. Caldwell said Freeney might do some running or participate in a simulated practice later in the day. Freeney hopes to work out Saturday and is listed as questionable.

Earlier Friday, Caldwell said Freeney’s recovery was “trending in the right direction,” a message he reiterated after the workout at the Miami Dolphins’ team complex.

“This is right in line with our plans,” Caldwell said. “He’s making very good progress.

The Colts got good news on two other starters.

Left guard Ryan Lilja returned to practice after missing Thursday’s workout with a sore back. He is listed as probable.

Starting cornerback Jerraud Powers practiced for the first time since hurting his left foot against Baltimore on Jan. 16. Before practice, Caldwell announced that Powers had undergone surgery to repair a fracture. He also is questionable for the Saints game.

Indy has one more workout scheduled, a 40-minute walkthrough Saturday at noon, and Caldwell liked what he saw.

“These practices were right in line with what we’ve done all year, and we’re pleased,” he said. “Things have worked out great for us here.”