Indianapolis Colts S Bob Sanders to make 2009 debut Sunday: "I can't wait to put the pads on"

Indianapolis Colts S Bob Sanders will make his
2009 debut Sunday.
Michael Conroy/AP Photo

His wait is nearly over, and Indianapolis Colts S Bob Sanders said Friday he couldn’t be more ready.

Sanders, who missed the first five games of the season after spending preseason and training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a knee injury, practiced for a second time in three days Friday. Before the Colts’ practice at their Indianapolis training facility Friday morning, Head Coach Jim Caldwell said Sanders definitely will make his 2009 debut Sunday.

“It’s an exciting feeling,” Sanders said early Friday afternoon as the AFC South-leading Colts (5-0) prepared to play the St. Louis Rams (0-6) at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Mo., Sunday at 1 p.m. “I’m excited. Just getting ready, gearing up.”

Sanders, who missed 10 games in 2004 and 2006 and 12 games last season, will start Sunday, according to Caldwell.

“If he can go, he’s starting,” Caldwell said.

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Sanders, the 2007 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, practiced on a limited basis twice before the Colts’ 31-9 victory at Tennessee October 11, but Wednesday marked the first time this season he had practiced full speed. He wasn’t listed on the Colts’ injury report that day, but appeared on it Thursday as not injury related-rested/knee, which set off discussion in the blogosphere. But Sanders’ rest day Thursday was no different than recent seasons when the Colts typically held him out of practice on Thursdays of game weeks when he has played.

Caldwell had said Wednesday Sanders likely wouldn’t practice every day this week and said whether or not he practiced every day would not determine whether or not he played Sunday.

Sanders’ status on Friday’s injury report was that he participated fully and will play.

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“He’s feeling good,” Caldwell said. “We rested him yesterday just to give him an opportunity to get a little freshness for a day.”

Neither Sanders nor Caldwell were certain Friday just how much Sanders will play.

“We’ll kind of wait and see,” Caldwell said. “We have a few days. It’s prudent to see how it all unfolds and see where he is come day, then kind of make an adjustment accordingly.”

Said Sanders, “I know definitely I will be playing, but right now I’m not sure how much.”

With Sanders likely returning, S Melvin Bullitt will return to a backup role and Sanders will start alongside Antoine Bethea. Caldwell said early this week it’s possible the Colts will use some three-safety packages to utilize Bullitt.

Sanders said a goal Sunday is to “make sure I get back to the basics.”

“I want to work on my techniques, be fundamentally sound, read my keys,” Sanders said. “I think I’m slowly getting back. Practices are pretty good. I’m getting through while I’m taking things slow, but I’m getting through.”

Sanders said of his progress this season, “It’s been a little slow. I’ve been kind of on and off, getting some reps in here and there.”

“I’m looking forward to getting in there and playing this week,” Sanders said. “It’s been a long time. I just started practicing this past week. It’s been along time. I can’t wait to put the pads on and see if I’ve still got it.”

Asked if he might be nervous Sunday, Sanders smiled a bit.

“No, no,” he said. “I’ve been playing football my whole life. Every year I’ve dealt with injuries. This is not the first time I’m dealing with this. I’m more excited that anything. . . .

“It’s an exciting feeling. It feels good. I’ve been wanting to be ready for a long time now. Just being smart about it. The coaches have been great. They’ve been working through it with me, keeping me mentally in it. They said you’re ready to go, everything looks good, practice is going pretty good, reps are good, mentally I’m at a good state. It’s just an exciting feeling.”

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