When betting on SuperBowl action, it is best to keep your eyes and ears out for the latest word on injuries.

The one injury that seems to be carrying more impact than another is that of Dwight Freeney, the defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts.

Freeney, who has starred in the NFL ever since coming out of Syracuse eight years ago, has developed a reputation as one of the most feared pass rushers in the game. It was the popular opinion that his matchup with New Orleans Saints left tackle Jermon Bushrod would be one of the keys to any betting on Super Bowl XLIV.

That was before word came down that Freeney had an ankle injury that was perhaps more severe than was originally expected.

It is a third degree ankle sprain, and the suspicion was that there was ligament damage. For someone who has a burst to the outside to beat offensive tackles off the snap, this was a difficult injury to have.

Doctors speculated that with his kind of ailment, a recuperation period of six to eight weeks might be normal.

The Colts downplayed the situation, insisting that the decision on him was going to be made later in the week, and he was listed as questionable on the injury report. Betting on Super Bowl action was problematic for those who were putting a lot of weight on the importance of the five-time Pro Bowl star.

On Thursday, Freeney indicated that he was feeling better, and that he was prepared to test his ankle, which had been undergoing accelerated treatments, in Friday practice. “It is definitely a little sore. I think that is the nature of the injury, but it is making progress," is what he has been quoted as saying.

If there is any way to play, he will. How effective he'll be is anybody's guess.

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