INDIANAPOLIS(AP) -- The injury bug is still haunting the
Indianapolis Colts.
Cornerback Marlin Jackson and strong safety Bob Sanders were
lost for the season Friday as the team placed them on injured
reserve.
Jackson, who missed the second half of the 2008 season after
injuring his right knee during practice, suffered an anterior
cruciate ligament injury to his left knee during a non-contact
drill Wednesday. He had been rehabbing the knee after he was
hurt against Seattle on Oct. 4.
Sanders, a two-time Pro Bowler, tore his left bicep against the
49ers last weekend and will need surgery.
Sanders had just returned to the Colts' lineup two weeks ago. He
had missed all of training camp and the first five games of the
year after undergoing offseason knee surgery. He has missed 40
of 87 games during his injury-plagued, six-year NFL career.
Indianapolis' other veteran cornerback, Kelvin Hayden, is also
expected to be sidelined for the next three to four weeks after
he suffered a sprained knee during the 18-14 win over San
Francisco. Hayden is not expected to undergo surgery.
"Not real sure (how long Hayden will be out)," coach Jim
Caldwell said. "We're kind of looking at probably a three to
four week window."
The Colts (7-0) host AFC South rival Houston (5-3) this Sunday.
Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and receiver Andre Johnson will
likely be looking at a Colts defense with two rookies - Jerraud
Powers and Jacob Lacey - starting at cornerback. Three-year
veteran Melvin Bullitt will take Sanders' place at strong
safety.
"(Sanders and Gonzalez) are fine football players, great leaders
and members of our team," Caldwell said. "The thing about it,
though, we've had young people step up and do a great job in
their absence. We'll continue on that path."
Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, meanwhile, underwent
arthroscopic surgery Thursday to clean out loose particles in
his right knee. Gonzalez suffered a sprained ligament in the
knee during the Colts' season-opening win over Jacksonville. A
date for his return has yet to be determined.
Wide receiver Pierre Garcon (ankle), defensive tackle Fili Moala
(concussion), offensive tackle Tony Ugoh (rest) and placekicker
Adam Vinatieri (knee) did not practice Friday. Garcon and Moala
are both listed as questionable for the Houston game, as is
running back Donald Brown (shoulder).
Defensive end Josh Thomas has returned to the Colts for the
second time this season. Thomas originally played with the Colts
from 2004-08, starting 12 games. And Indianapolis signed tight
end Tom Santi off the practice squad.
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