The Colts could be getting at least two starters back as they return from their 2009 bye week, with LT Charlie Johnson and CB Kelvin Hayden each saying they expect to play Sunday.
Johnson, who missed the Colts’ final game before Sunday’s bye with a knee injury, said Monday he expects to play against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, as did Hayden, who missed the final three games before the bye with a hamstring injury.
“Sunday’s a go,” Hayden said Monday as the AFC South-leading Colts (5-0) prepared to play the winless Rams (0-6) at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Sunday. Said Johnson, I’ll be good.”
The Colts began brief preparations for St. Louis Monday, but Head Coach Jim Caldwell said full-scale preparations won’t begin full-scale preparations until Wednesday. The status of S Bob Sanders (knee) for Sunday isn’t as certain, nor is the status of WR Anthony Gonzalez and CB Marlin Jackson.
“His activity level is increasing,” Caldwell said of Sanders, who has yet to play this season with a knee injury. “He worked last week. He’s coming along.”
Jackson missed the last game before the bye and Gonzalez has been out since the opener.
Colts Monday news and notes:
*With DT Ed Johnson having been released last week, Dan Muir and rookie Fili Moala will have increased roles, Caldwell said. “Those guys have to be able to step up,” he said, adding of Moala, who has yet to play this season, “We can see even during our practice sessions that he is certainly becoming more active.”
*While P Pat McAfee has experience kicking field goals in college, Caldwell said McAfee likely will continue in his roles punting and kicking off. The Colts signed K Matt Stover to handle placements last week.
*Caldwell said maintaining momentum after a bye is a priority. The 5-0 Colts are among two unbeaten AFC teams. “That’s always an issue,” Caldwell said. “If we lost anything, we want to regain it before kickoff.”
*The unbeaten Colts likely will be huge favorites over the winless Rams Sunday – even at St. Louis. Said Caldwell: “Everybody has stars and has talent. We don’t think they are any exception.”
*Game balls for the Colts’ victory over Tennessee last Sunday went to: WR Austin Collie (offense), S Antoine Bethea (defense) and CB Tim Jennings (special teams).
