FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Colts, favored to win their second Super Bowl since moving to Indianapolis from Baltimore in 1984 and third overall, have been among the best offenses in football over the past decade.

But this week, it's their defense that has come into question.

The Colts practiced for the first time Wednesday since they arrived in South Florida and two starters on their defense did not participate.

The injury that has drawn the most attention is defensive end Dwight Freeney's severe right ankle sprain. He was nowhere to be found at the Colts' first practice.

Also missing from practice was starting cornerback Jerraud Powers, a rookie who missed the AFC championship game with a foot injury.

Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, whose Washington Redskins won three Super Bowls, is lobbying for guard Russ Grimm to join him for enshrinement in Canton, Ohio.

Grimm, from Scottdale, Pa., in Westmoreland County, played at Southmoreland High School, where he was a quarterback and linebacker. At Pitt, he was converted to offensive line. Grimm was the best member of the Redskins' famous Hogs line that paved the way not only to three Super Bowl victories but also for running back John Riggins into the Hall of Fame.

That line ranks among the most famous, if not the most famous, in NFL history, yet no member has been elected to the Hall of Fame.

Grimm has been a finalist for a number of years and again will be considered for induction Saturday when the Hall of Fame selectors vote for the Class of 2010.

"He was a key component of all three of our Super Bowl winning teams in Washington," Gibbs said of Grimm in a plea to the Hall of Fame selectors this week.

"He was a great leader throughout his playing career," Gibbs said of Grimm in a plea to the Hall of Fame selectors this week. "Russ had the ability to inspire his teammates at some of the most difficult times and his leadership stemmed from his outstanding play on the field. He was super smart. He had the ability to dominate physically and was a big part of our Hogs, who really defined our success during that time. His athleticism was key to our ability to implement the Counter Trey, which obviously became a big part of our offense.

"It was because of all those reasons that we quickly added Russ to our coaching staff when he retired, and it's obvious from his success as a coach that he was able to translate all those qualities. Russ has made major contributions to our game over the past three decades and it is my hope that you will vote to include him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

Grimm, a former offensive line coach of the Steelers, joined Ken Whisenhunt's staff with the Arizona Cardinals in 2007.

Jerome Bettis called it a shame that former Steelers center Dermontti Dawson has not already been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Dawson, who retired after the 2000 season, has been eligible the past five years. He is a finalist for the second consecutive year.

"That hurts me, man," Bettis said. "I think he was one of the best centers ever -- ever. I think he revolutionized the game. No center was pulling at that time, and he was able to get outside the guard. I credit him for a lot of my success and we had some big years with him at center."

Hines Ward and LaMarr Woodley will indeed have a Super "Bowl" Sunday when they take to the lanes with some pro bowlers to aid charity.

Ward will team with Wes Malott, the reigning Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year. Norm Duke will be paired with either Woodley or Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, whichever of the two win a roll-off.

ESPN will broadcast the event at 2 p.m. Sunday.

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