September 17, 2009
NFL- Anthony Gonzalez Sidelined for at least 8 weeks
By Audrey Nolan
The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that receiver Anthony Gonzalez would be sidelined for at least eight weeks, two weeks longer than expected. Gonzalez had a sprain on the ligaments in his right knee, but initially, the diagnosis did not seem severe; six weeks seemed the maximum time Gonzalez would be out. However, the team did announce that if Gonzalez were absent for more than four weeks, a replacement would be found.
The Colts have yet to make an official statement about replacing Gonzalez, but rumors began to circulate that Indianapolis was looking at Hank Baskett. The whispers were later confirmed by Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
Baskett is presumed to play in Monday night’s game against Miami.
Gonzalez’s absence may prove a problem for the Colts, who had set all their hopes on the young receiver. The team had taken Gonzalez as a first-round draft pick in 2007, looking to replace the franchise’s career receiving leader, Marvin Harrison, in a move to cut costs. Harrison was released in February and is still a free agent.
Without Gonzalez, the team is short on receivers; besides Reggie Wayne, only Pierre Garcon, a second-year pro, and Austin Collie, a rookie that was a fourth round draft pick from Brigham Young, are available. Thus the Colts turned to the Philadelphia Eagles and Baskett, hoping that the veteran would be able to replace Gonzalez during his absence. Nevertheless, Garcon and Collie will be an important part of the strategy.
"Pierre is going to be a big part of our game plan, Austin Collie, too, no question," Manning said. "But this is the NFL. You can't just draw up a play and say this ball has got to go to Dallas Clark (FSY). Pierre has worked hard over here, I think he spent six hours over the last two days studying film and Austin has done that as well."
Collie has been focusing on improvement, learning his role for not only Monday’s games, but also the games that will follow. The player admitted that he needed to prepare himself for the upcoming season. The team overall will need to find a new rhythm without Gonzalez.
The Colts are now setting their hopes on Baskett and the security he can bring to the team. He is physically larger than any other receiver at Indianapolis, a quality that may help the team. He spent all three of his previous NFL seasons with the Eagles, who reached the NFC Championship game last year. But Basket has had just 72 career receptions in 1,052 yards and 6 touchdowns; he caught only one pass for six yards when the team routed Carolina on Sunday.
The player, however, is ready for his new role.
"It's definitely going to be a crash course," Baskett said. "Everybody talked about Philadelphia's offense. That was a lot to learn. But coming in [to Indianapolis] during the season and getting here, there's definitely a lot to learn. Peyton and the guys stayed out there with me to throw a couple routes and just work me in. I'm definitely up to the challenge."
The deal was set with the Eagles and Baskett was released on Wednesday.
About the Author
Audrey Nolan has been a prominent writer on daily NFL Football Season reviews, sports news and sports betting industry updates for many exceptional sports web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.