Source: Freeney “doing everything possible� to play in Super Bowl

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Dwight Freeney, star defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts, is nursing a severely sprained right ankle and a source said he is ‘doing everything possible’ to play in the Super Bowl. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Times that includes Freeney spending hours a day in a hyperbaric chamber and using an electrical-stimulation machine on his ankle, even while he’s sleeping.

Freeney came to South Florida on Friday ahead of the rest of the Colts, in part to receive treatment from a Miami chiropractor he frequently uses during the season.

ESPN and the NFL Network reported Freeney has ligament damage to the ankle, putting in doubt his availability for next Sunday’s game against New Orleans. His 13 1/2 sacks this season tied him for third in the league.

Although Freeney made the Pro Bowl, he did not attend the game to watch with fellow Colts named to the AFC squad.

Indianapolis receiver Reggie Wayne was at the game and was asked if it puts more pressure on the Colts’ offense if Freeney cannot play.

‘One thing about this team, no matter who is playing, our motto has always been, ‘Next man up,’ ‘ he said. ‘The guys behind are just as eager to go out there and play. Those guys come in and do a good job. They have been doing that for my nine years that I have been here.

‘There is no extra pressure. We know what we have to do. Our defense knows what they have to do. ... Hopefully we can just do the things we have been doing no matter who is out there and we can get the job done.’

-- Sam Farmer