The Indianapolis Colts are a little banged up right now about one week away form the Super Bowl.  Starting Defensive End and major impact on defense, Dwight Freeney, missed his third straight practice on Friday with a sprained right ankle he suffered in last weeks AFC Championship victory over the New York Jets.

How effective will Dwight Freeneybe in the Super Bowl?

Along with Freeney, starting cornerback Jerraud Powers also missed a third straight practice Friday with a injured left foot.  Both players are listed as questionable for next week, and the Colts remain hopeful that both players can step up and play on the biggest stage in sports today.

The impact of both of these players either not playing at all or playing with the injuries remains to be seen against the high powered Saints offense lead by Drew Brees.

Freeney is a pass rusher that relies on his speed to overcome any blocking and get to the quarterback. He can disrupt any offensive game plan, and his impact cannot be measured when he is on the field. He makes all the other defensive linemen around him  much better, and the Colts would miss him terribly.

When he is double teamed, the additional attention frees up his fellow teamates which makes them more effective during the game.  He is the Colts’ major impact player on defense.

With Freeney expected not to be at 100%, the Power injury could be more significant.  Freeney also has a impact on his teammates that play behind him.  Powers did miss the AFC Championship game, but Freeney was there to put the pressure on Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez therefore taking pressure off of the Colts defensive backs.  Powers will need to be in the lineup Sunday with a hobbled and limited Freeney to defend against a pass happy quarterback like Drew Brees.

It remains to be seen on how effective Freeney can be next Sunday. One thing is for sure, his impact or lack of impact will be felt by the Indianapolis Colts.