INDIANAPOLIS -- Six defensive starters missed Wednesday's practice for the Indianapolis Colts.
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Among those not participating were safety Bob Sanders, last season's defensive player of the year, defensive end Robert Mathis and middle linebacker Gary Brackett, the defensive captain.
Coach Tony Dungy was uncertain about Sanders' status for Sunday's game at San Diego.
Dungy said the Colts (6-4) would wait until later this week to determine whether Sanders' right knee is healthy enough to play. He missed last week's game when there was swelling in the knee. But Dungy didn't sound nearly as concerned about the other players who were out Wednesday.
Cornerback Kelvin Hayden may be ready to go for the first time since Oct. 5.
"His hamstring is getting better and better, so we'll have to see how he does," Dungy said. "Reggie (Wayne) is kind of in the same boat. He has ankles and knees that have been rolled up. Reggie didn't practice much the last two weeks, and we had just the right amount of practice time for him to be sharp but able to play."
Wayne was not listed on the team's participation report.
Dwight Freeney also sat out. He is regularly kept out of at least one practice during the week to stay healthy.
Brackett has a quadriceps injury, and safety Antoine Bethea was out with an ankle injury.
Mathis was out with a toe injury, and the Colts rested cornerback Tim Jennings, who has been starting with both Hayden and Marlin Jackson out.
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