INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 23, 2005) -- Three injured Colts starters -- record-setting receiver Marvin Harrison, Pro Bowl linebacker Cato June and starting right tackle Ryan Diem -- will not travel to Seattle for Indianapolis' game against the Seahawks on Dec. 24.
Harrison broke a bone in his right hand and did not practice all week. June has been spent the past two months dealing with a sports hernia, a sore knee and a sore ankle. Diem is expected to miss the final two regular-season games with a sprained ligament in his left knee and hopes to return for Indy's first playoff game Jan. 14 or 15.
Assistant head coach Jim Caldwell said none of the three would travel. Harrison's injury is not believed to be serious. Earlier this week, coach Tony Dungy said Harrison was being fitted for a "hand apparatus" and likely could play through the injury.
But with the AFC South title, a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the playoffs, the Colts decided not to risk additional injuries.
Among the others expected to sit are defensive linemen Corey Simon and Robert Mathis, who both have foot injuries. Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders (back) and defensive tackle Montae Reagor (knee) may take Week 16 off, too.
And two-time MVP Peyton Manning, who has never missed a start in his eight NFL seasons, is expected to see limited action.
Caldwell has replaced Dungy, who is in Tampa mourning the death of his 18-year-old son James on Dec. 23. James Dungy was found unresponsive in his apartment and a preliminary autopsy report indicated that he took his own life.
