NFL News: Dwight Freeney to Miss Remainder of Season

The Colts have lost a marquee player on their defensive line, defensive end Dwight Freeney. (AP Images)

Dwight Freeney, the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end and highest-paid defender in the league, was placed on injured reserve Wednesday by the Colts. He's scheduled to undergo surgery later this week or early next week on his injured left foot.

"Dwight is a player you cannot replace," safety Bob Sanders said. "But we'll continue to move on, continue to get better. We'll put new guys in and continue to roll. That's what Dwight would want us to do."

Freeney injured the foot while making a spin moves on a pass rush during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 23-21 loss. He immediately fell to the ground and hobbled off the field to the sideline. Eventually, he was taken to the locker room on a cart.

Coach Tony Dungy originally said he did not believe the injury would be season-ending however, further examination revealed a Lisfranc injury.

To soften the loss, the Colts have signed defensive end Simeon Rice.

Other NFL News

• Ricky Williams' suspension ended after more than 18 months Wednesday when he was reinstated by the NFL.
• Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman will return to the lineup for Sunday's road game against the Seattle Seahawks.
• The winless Miami Dolphins have decided to start rookie QB John Beck.