The only thing more embarrassing for Jim Caldwell and Bill Polian on Sunday than seeing their run defense get absolutely blasted by last year's 30th ranked rushing offense was the news that Bob Sanders and Anthony Gonzalez got hurt... again.
Today, according to Phil Wilson of the Indianapolis Star, the Colts are waiting on MRI results for both Sanders and Gonzo. Sanders has an apparent elbow injury while Gonzo has an ankle injury. Both men have a long and detailed history of spending as much time in the training room as they do on the field.
2010 is a big year for both players. If they find themselves on the injured reserve list for these injuries, their careers as members of the Indianapolis Colts are likely over.
Quick side note: Remember when Mike Lombardi wrote this back in August:
There is some concern Colts safety Bob Sanders might never be able to play football again, with his shoulder and bicep issues. He reduced his contract, but his rehab has been slow.
While the details of his contract were denied by the Colts and Sanders' agent, it seems the 'concern' people had about his ability to truly play football again was well-founded. Barely one quarter into playing his first real football game in almost a year, Bob got hurt. He did not return after sustaining the injury.
If Sanders lands on IR, as PFT is suggesting, what are the chances Bill Polian apologies to Mike Lombardi for saying his report was 'unsubstantiated?' Probably somewhere between zilch and none. However, if Sanders does land on IR, Lombardi's claim looks more solid, and another chapter in "Bill Polian acting like an ass to the media" is written. Clearly, if Bob was not tough enough to get through one friggin quarter of real football, and he is spending Monday getting a MRI that will likely decide his fate for the 2010 season, he was most certainly not ready to play.