MIAMI — New Orleans cornerback Randall Gay and running back Lynell Hamilton sat out the Saints' final practice of the season on Saturday.
Coach Sean Payton said he expected Gay to be ready when New Orleans meets the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl on Sunday night.
Gay sat on the sideline during a walk-through under sunny skies in Sun Life Stadium.
Gay usually plays in five-defensive back formations. He is getting over a cold with congestion that caused also caused Gay to miss practice on Friday, Payton said.
Payton was less certain about the status of Hamilton, a reserve running back and special teams regular. Hamilton has sat out practice all week with a sore left ankle.
"We'll see how he does on Sunday," the coach said.
The mood at practice was light and Payton sounded confident he'd done all he can to get his team ready.
"I'm excited, just excited," Payton said. "You get to this point and your concerns are always the scheduling and the logistics and the travel, and all of that was pretty smooth. So it's good. At this point, everyone's ready. It's been two weeks already, so we're ready to go."
Payton also invited players' sons to attend the walk-through. Payton's 9-year-old son, Connor, attempted several field goals with a black-and-gold football with his father as holder.
He made one from the 9-yard line.
"There's a lot of challenges with coaching, in regards to family time," Payton said. "Every once in a while, you get one of these opportunities, and it helps make up for it."
Colts
Payton expects CB Gay to be ready
- Colts
-
-
Another surgery for Manning?
According to a Wednesday report by Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks on the magazine’s website, Peyton Manning underwent an unreported follow-up procedure on his injured neck last summer and the Indianapolis Colts believe further surgery is inevitable in the future.
-
Irsay throws ball into Manning's court
The March 8 deadline for the Indianapolis Colts to determine the future of quarterback Peyton Manning is quickly approaching.
And owner Jim Irsay fired off the most recent salvo in an ongoing public-relations standoff Tuesday.
Contradicting rampant speculation by the national media concerning Manning’s imminent departure, Irsay told the Indianapolis Star’s Mike Chappell the team would love to have the four-time MVP back.
At the right price. -
Report: Peyton Manning cleared to resume playing
According to ESPN, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has been medically cleared to play next season. The report stated that Manning was cleared by two doctors, including Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed the most recent surgery on the quarterback's neck.
-
Irsay: Mathis, Garcon are priorities
Expect defensive end Robert Mathis and wide receiver Pierre Garcon to be priorities for the Indianapolis Colts during free agency. According to Colts owner Jim Irsay, Mathis and Garcon are both unrestricted free agents and appear to be the cornerstones for the team moving forward. Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne, meanwhile, may be suiting up for another team in 2012.
-
Manning: I have no plans to retire
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning made one thing clear Tuesday. He has no plans to retire any time soon.
-
Ravens hire Caldwell as coach
Jim Caldwell is back in the NFL, this time as the Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach. The 57-year-old Caldwell was hired on Monday by the Ravens. The appointment comes less than two weeks after Caldwell was fired as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts following a 2-14 season.
-
Anderson native instrumental in Colts' move to Indy
When Hoosiers look at those responsible for bringing Super Bowl XLVI to Indianapolis, they might well consider Paul R. Oakes.
-
Reports: Arians set to join Colts
Multiple media reports, including one by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, indicated Saturday that former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians will accept the same post with the Indianapolis Colts.
-
Irsay, Manning make nice in letter
Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay insist they are just fine after a week filled with complaints and comments suggesting a rift had developed following one of the most miserable seasons in team history.
-
Manning, Irsay insist they are on same page
Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay insist they are just fine after a week filled with complaints and comments suggesting a rift had developed following one of the most miserable seasons in team history.
- More Colts Headlines
-
