Sanders ready to return
December 31
Indianapolis Star
"The Indianapolis Colts have been here before with safety Bob Sanders, who is expected to return to the starting lineup for the playoffs after missing the bulk of the regular season.
Sound familiar?
Remember 2006, and the run to the Super Bowl?
"Just like '06, yeah,'' coach Tony Dungy said Tuesday afternoon.
We'll see.
When Indy ventures into San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium against the Chargers on Saturday night, Sanders should be at his normal strong safety position. The league's 2007 Defensive Player of the Year missed 10 games during the regular season because of ankle and knee issues. Sanders still was on the mend from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and didn't play when the Colts edged San Diego 23-20 on Nov. 23.
How does he feel?
"Good. Excited,'' Sanders said. "I'm glad we're in this position. Just ready to get to work.''
It's a bit of déjà vu for Sanders and the Colts.
In 2006, a knee injury forced Sanders to miss 12 games during the season, including seven of the final eight. But he returned for the postseason and was instrumental in a defensive turnaround that was the main reason the Colts won their first Super Bowl title in 36 seasons.
"I'm here now,'' Sanders said. "This is a new season and I'm excited and ready to go.''
It remains to be seen if his right knee, which still occasionally swells following extended work, can withstand a deep postseason run."
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