ESPN - With Freeney hurt, Colts claim ex-Bronco Rice - NFL
Freeney injured his left foot in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's 23-21 loss at San Diego, and was undergoing tests on Monday to determine the extent of the damage. Freeney, who was carted from the field after an unidentified Chargers' offensive lineman rolled up his leg, likely will miss next Sunday's game against Kansas City.
Rice, 34, was let go by the Broncos on Friday afternoon after he requested his release. The league's second-leading active sacker, Rice appeared in six games during his short-lived stint with the Broncos but was unhappy over his lack of playing time and the fact that Denver coaches were using him at the unfamiliar left end position.
In 2001, his first season in Tampa Bay, Rice played under Tony Dungy, when he was the Bucs' head coach, so the two have some past history. In his six games with the Broncos, Rice, who underwent offseason surgery to correct a shoulder problem, had only seven tackles and did not record a sack.
The Colts will assume the one-year contract Rice signed with Denver, which was worth $3 million but included a base salary of only $820,000. Prorated over the balance of the season, the deal will cost Indianapolis just $337,647 if it keeps Rice for the final seven weeks.
Concerns about his shoulder and his age, along with his performance with the Broncos, probably dissuaded some teams from considering him. But with Freeney possibly sidelined for a while, Rice could provide a boost to the Indianapolis pass rush and should be available to play right away.
Colts add depth to defensive line with sack specialist Rice
Colts add depth to defensive line with sack specialist Rice
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