Kelvin Hayden hopes to return to the lineup Sunday for the 5-0 Indianapoils Colts
At his weekly press conference, Colts Coach Jim Caldwell always answers questions about the injured players. "Any Injury Updates?" "How is Gonzo Doing?" "What about Bob Sanders?" are a few of the popular queries from the gallery of media members. The coach rarely has new information to add on a Monday, especially since he usually has yet to fully discuss the previous games' incidents with team doctors.
The fans always want to know how bad guys who were hobbled in that weekend's game are hurt. They also are curious about when the star players who did not suit up will return to action.
While this past Monday, the team didn't have a game to discuss (the Colts were on Bye) there was some good news revealed about one of their most experienced defensive players. "Kelvin (Hayden) is going to practice today, so we'll see where he is through the week," commented Jim Caldwell prior to the teams' workout.
While the players are only available to the media before practice, Hayden, left a very positive impression about his status for this week's game against the Rams.
I asked a simple question, "Are you ready to play Sunday?"
Hayden replied, "Yeah, Sunday's a go. I'm kinda excited about that, it's been 2-3 weeks, and I'm just excited to get back out there." He went on to say, "My mindset is I'm practicing today, come Wednesday, I'm practicing, in meetings I'm taking notes. I'm very excited, I'm positive about this weekend and I'm just ready to go."
Hayden is in his 5th year with the Colts, and has been battling a hamstring injury for much of the season. He played in the first two games of the season but has missed the last three.
While Hayden's return will likely mean less playing time for rookie free agent Jacob Lacey, he and the other youngsters have filled in quite nicely for the injured starters. "They took on the challenge pretty well. Jerraud (Powers) was playing well, Jake (Lacey) was playing well, Tim (Jennings) was playing well, those guys did a great job and that's what you expect," added Hayden.
As for injured safety Bob Sanders, he has been working out, and Caldwell emphasized as he usually does, that progress is being made. "His activity level is increasing. He was out there last week (at practice) and looked good. It will increase some this week and we'll see where we are towards the end of the week. He's coming along."
So, barring a setback, it appears Kelvin Hayden will play, but I wouldn't make plans on watching #21 just yet.
The fans always want to know how bad guys who were hobbled in that weekend's game are hurt. They also are curious about when the star players who did not suit up will return to action.
While this past Monday, the team didn't have a game to discuss (the Colts were on Bye) there was some good news revealed about one of their most experienced defensive players. "Kelvin (Hayden) is going to practice today, so we'll see where he is through the week," commented Jim Caldwell prior to the teams' workout.
While the players are only available to the media before practice, Hayden, left a very positive impression about his status for this week's game against the Rams.
I asked a simple question, "Are you ready to play Sunday?"
Hayden replied, "Yeah, Sunday's a go. I'm kinda excited about that, it's been 2-3 weeks, and I'm just excited to get back out there." He went on to say, "My mindset is I'm practicing today, come Wednesday, I'm practicing, in meetings I'm taking notes. I'm very excited, I'm positive about this weekend and I'm just ready to go."
Hayden is in his 5th year with the Colts, and has been battling a hamstring injury for much of the season. He played in the first two games of the season but has missed the last three.
While Hayden's return will likely mean less playing time for rookie free agent Jacob Lacey, he and the other youngsters have filled in quite nicely for the injured starters. "They took on the challenge pretty well. Jerraud (Powers) was playing well, Jake (Lacey) was playing well, Tim (Jennings) was playing well, those guys did a great job and that's what you expect," added Hayden.
As for injured safety Bob Sanders, he has been working out, and Caldwell emphasized as he usually does, that progress is being made. "His activity level is increasing. He was out there last week (at practice) and looked good. It will increase some this week and we'll see where we are towards the end of the week. He's coming along."
So, barring a setback, it appears Kelvin Hayden will play, but I wouldn't make plans on watching #21 just yet.
