The Colts top safety Bob Sanders can’t stay on the field. On Sunday, the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year landed awkwardly on his arm during the first series of the game.
Today, multiple media outlets are reporting that Sanders is out indefinitely once again, with a torn biceps tendon. Another huge blow to Coach Caldwell and the defense. But no surprise to Colts fans.
This guy can’t catch a break. Despite taking days off and taking care of his body, his body just won’t give. Sanders has missed 49 of 97 games in six seasons. That means he has missed (49) more games than he has played (48). He will visit Dr. James Andrews tomorrow to analyze the severity of his torn biceps according to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.
Injuries are nothing new to the Colts 2004 second round pick. At just 5-8, 201, Sanders relies on his athleticism and hard-hitting to play with the big boys. His body disagrees with him as he cannot get healthy.
Another tough break for the Colts and Sanders. In 2006, he only played four games due to a knee injury. He was able to return for the Colts playoff run and eventual Super Bowl XLI Championship.
2007 was clearly Bob Sanders best year on the field. He thrived in Coach Dungy’s Tampa 2 defense and was awarded a hefty contract just after Christmas. On December 28, 2007, Sanders signed a 5 year, $37.5 million contract with $20 million guaranteed. The contract made him the highest paid safety in the history of the NFL. Then after the new year, Sanders was named the Defensive Player of the Year. He became the first Colt and fourth safety in NFL history to win the award, earning 31 of 50 media votes.
In 2008 the ferocious safety played was limited to six games. In 2009, just two. And for 2010 he may just play one series.
Melvin Bullitt has been a suitable replacement for Sanders in the past. Bullitt signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and has taken full advantage of his playing time in three seasons. He has appeared in nearly every game since putting on a Colts uniform and has made a difference on the field. Last season he finished with 72 tackles, including 59 solo.
The question essentially will be, who can step up at safety in Sanders absence. Brandon King, an undrafted rookie from Purdue may get a shot. He played cornerback in college but the Colts believe he can play one of the two safety positions.
You can believe the Colts are on the phones all week. But teams know the Colts are desperate and hope to take advantage of their urgency. Free agents also beware…the Colts may be calling.
Next man up.
Update—4:45 PM
Dwight Freeney appeared on Jim Rome is Burning. Here are his thoughts.
It is very unfortunate but we’ve been used to not playing with him on the field. He’s a great player, a dominate player and personally I feel more bad for him as a person–as a friend.
You never want to see a guy go out there and work as hard as he has and first game, first drive, hurt yourself again–out for the year again. You never want to see that.
He’s a hard worker and a great guy. But as a team, unfortunately we’ve had to learn how to play without him and we are going to continue to move on.