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Towards the end of Indy’s AFC title game victory of the Jets, Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney suffered a “sprained” ankle.

As it turns out, that injury might be far more serious than the Colts initially let on. Freeney’s attempts to play on Sunday will prove difficult. Reportedly, he is suffering from a torn ligament in his right ankle.

At this point if Freeney plays, will he be effective? The Saints would likely try to run at him. Then, how would the Colts counter? Put him in on passing downs? That doesn’t work either.

It’s not a shoulder injury where he could still be somewhat useful. This would be similar to a power hitter in baseball suffering a hip injury. If he can’t drive the ball using his hips, his best asset is gone.

In Freeney’s case, speed is his greatest asset. If the Colts don’t have that, they’ve got a problem on their hands for Super Bowl Sunday.