TERRE HAUTE — After mulling over all of their options, the Indianapolis Colts have signed former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Hank Baskett as a temporary replacement for injured starter Anthony Gonzalez.
Baskett reportedly inked a one-year contract with the Colts. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Gonzalez apparently will not have to undergo surgery on his right knee, which he hurt in the first quarter of last week’s home game with Jacksonville. While team officials have yet to disclose the full extent of the injury, there have been reports that the former Ohio State receiver sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in the knee.
He is expected to be out for at least four weeks, returning in time for the Colts’ Oct. 25 road game with the St. Louis Rams. That timeline, though, is not set in stone. According to head coach Jim Caldwell, Gonzalez could be out anywhere from two to eight weeks.
“What’s been reported is somewhere between two to eight weeks. It depends on his progress during that time period. I leave that up to the physicians,” Caldwell said Thursday. “Whenever I can, I simply echo what they told us. They are the professionals at it. I pray for him and hope he gets better quickly.”
Baskett, who practiced with Indianapolis Thursday, started six games in 2008 and had 33 receptions for 440 yards and three touchdowns with Philadelphia. He became the odd man out in the Eagles’ receiver rotation when the team brought in quarterback Jeff Garcia earlier this week.
The former University of New Mexico receiver was waived by Philadelphia on Tuesday. The team had drafted Jeremy Maclin and Brandon Gibson in the offseason.
“[Thursday’s practice] went pretty well. It’s been a long [day]. I had an early flight [Thursday] morning and a lot of things to get done once I got [to Indianapolis]. But I’d say that the first day went very smooth,” Baskett said. “I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. And I can expect to go out there and to do what I can to help this organization. We’ve got a great organization. I’m excited to be able to come in and have an opportunity like the one that they’ve given me to come in here and provide some assistance to this team.
“It’s definitely going to be a crash course [in learning the Colts’ offense]. 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. But it was good. [Colts quarterback] Peyton [Manning] and the guys stayed out there [at the end of practice] with me to throw a couple [pass] routes and just work me in. I’ve got a lot to learn. But I’m definitely up to the challenge.”
Indianapolis worked out three other veteran receivers over the past few days — David Patten, D.J. Hackett and Chad Jackson — before finally settling on Baskett, who had 72 catches for 1,052 yards and six touchdowns in 48 career games with the Eagles.
“It’s good to have another veteran [receiver]. We’ll catch him up to speed as much as possible. If we had to put him into play [this week against Miami], he’d be ready,” Manning said. “This is not an offense to learn in a couple of days. But he’s been in a complicated [offensive] system in Philadelphia and he’s a veteran. He can only help us.”
An undrafted free agent who originally signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 before being traded to the Eagles, Baskett won’t be the only options for Manning. Second-year receiver Pierre Garcon and rookie Austin Collie are already in place and are expected get the bulk of the work as Gonzalez’ immediate replacements.
Garcon made strong strides in the spring and during training camp. Collie spent his off days this week (Tuesday and Wednesday) at the Colts complex watching video in preparation for this week’s game at Miami. That impressed the Indianapolis quarterback.
“We do have young players in Pierre and Austin Collie. It’s fair to say that with young guys in there, you’re going to lean on your veteran players. There’s no question that Reggie [Wayne], Dallas [Clark] and Joseph [Addai] will be featured in the game plan. But at the same time, it’s the NFL,” he said.
“You can’t draw up a play and say ‘This ball has to go to Dallas Clark.’ You can call it that way, but the defense usually has different looks that you might not expect. Pierre and Austin, they’ve got to be ready at all times. And I believe they will. Pierre’s work hard in his time here. Austin, he was over here for six hours the last two days, on his off days, studying film. You like to see that in a young player. I feel good about those guys being ready.”
• Reality show star — For those occasional NFL fans who think they’ve heard of Baskett but aren’t quite sure, he may be better known as the husband of reality television personality Kendra Wilkinson.
Wilkinson was formerly featured on the E! Channel’s “The Girls Next Door” and now has her own show, “Kendra,” on the cable channel.
• Injury list — Besides Gonzalez, safety Jamie Silva (abdomen) did not practice Thursday. His availability for Monday night’s game at Miami has yet to be decided. Rookie defensive tackle Fili Moala (knee) did take part in Thursday’s workout and should be able to play this week.
Safety Bob Sanders (knee) is continuing his rehab work but no set deadline has been given for his return. Offensive tackle Charlie Johnson (back) sat out Thursday’s practice but is expected to start against the Dolphins. Offensive guard Jamey Richard (shoulder) had limited work on Thursday.
“[Silva and Sanders] are ramping up their activity a little bit more each and every day. Both will do a little bit more activity [Thursday],” the Colts coach said. “They have to just listen to what their body tells them and listen to what the doctors tell them. They are coming along.
“[Moala] could have played last week, possibly, if we really needed him.”
Colts
With Gonzalez out, Colts sign Baskett
- Colts
-
-
Colts have stocked up on tight ends
Just because Dallas Clark is now in Tampa Bay and Jacob Tamme has moved on to Denver doesn’t mean that the tight end position has become any less important to the Indianapolis Colts offense.
-
Colts working on rebuilding as Luck finishes at Stanford
With No 1 quarterback Andrew Luck finishing up architectural classes at Stanford, coach Chuck Pagano’s rebuilding project goes on as scheduled during the Indianapolis Colts’ organized team activity practices at the team’s West 56th Street headquarters.
-
Colts have no plan to move from Anderson
Apparently the Indianapolis Colts and Anderson University officials found a way to work out a few last-minute snags concerning the team’s summer training camp site.
-
Colts’ new QB has a lot to keep him busy
With three days of rookie mini-camp now behind him and a few more weeks of college class work still ahead, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has come to a crossroads.
-
Mr. Irrelevant may find home with Colts
Chandler Harnish might be Mr. Irrelevant to most of the National Football League, but the former Norwell High School standout — who grew up in Bluffton — has a real chance to stick around the Indianapolis Colts locker room for awhile.
-
All eyes on new Indy quarterback
Day One of the Andrew Luck era went off without a hitch Friday at the Indianapolis Colts’ West 56th Street practice facility.
-
Colts fill need at cornerback
While the Indianapolis Colts failed to add any cornerbacks among the 10 players selected during this past weekend’s National Football League draft, general manager Ryan Grigson and the team’s scouting department were able to snag three undrafted free agents to play the position.
-
New Colts GM, coach pleased with first draft
In a sense, first-year general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano were rookies during the 2012 NFL draft.
-
Colts’ new look comes into shape tonight at MSG
A changing of the guard. That’s what fans of the Indianapolis Colts can look forward to when the NFL draft commences tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
-
Colts confirm that Luck is choice
It’s official. The Indianapolis Colts will select former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft Thursday night.
-
Colts know, but won't say who No. 1 pick will be
With the first round of the NFL draft just a week away, Indianapolis Colts first-year general manager Ryan Grigson admitted Wednesday that team officials know who they are going to select with the No. 1 overall pick.
-
New-look Colts open against Bears
While the Indianapolis Colts knew back in February who they would be playing during the 2012 regular season, there were plenty of questions about the dates, locations and times of those games.
-
Colts look nothing like team of old with workouts under way
For the first time since last month’s massive roster purge, Indianapolis Colts players — both those that are returning as well as some of the newer additions — were available to talk about the franchise’s immediate future during an open lockerroom session Wednesday.
-
Former Colts Saturday, Diem decide their NFL futures
The revolving door to the Indianapolis Colts locker room keeps spinning at the team's headquarters on West 56th Street.
-
Going to Denver: Manning’s move bound to shake up AFC
The Denver Broncos got their Man. Make that Peyton Manning.
Pending final contract negotiations, Manning will join John Elway’s Broncos with hopes of winning another Super Bowl.
-
Wayne surprises many with move
Welcome home Reggie Wayne.
-
Wayne stays put in Indy
After a week of bad news for Indianapolis Colts fans that included the release of quarterback Peyton Manning, tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, middle linebacker Gary Brackett, safety Melvion Bullitt and quarterback Curtis Painter, finally something positive.
-
Indianapolis puts team roster under knife
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sounded the warning bell during Wednesday’s press conference announcing the release of 14-year quarterback Peyton Manning.
-
MARK BENNETT: Manning leaves great memories for Colts fans
The emotion behind the words was obvious.
-
Peyton-palooza: Manning will have significant number of suitors
Rex Ryan’s Jets need leadership in a lost locker room.
-
Irsay offers only ‘circumstances’
So if Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay wanted Peyton Manning to stay with the team, what happened?
-
UPDATE: Colts announce they’re releasing Manning
Peyton Manning’s record-breaking run as quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts ended today, when owner Jim Irsay announced the team would release its best player.
-
Colts, Peyton Manning prepared to part ways?
It looks very much as if an era will be coming to a close today.
-
Colts agree to deal with Mathis
After signing a multi-year deal on Monday, it looks as if Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis will play his entire National Football League career with the Indianapolis Colts.
-
Colts defense about to receive overhaul
Changes are coming quickly for the Indianapolis Colts defense.
-
Luck may be ready to go from start
Talk about walking into a pressure-packed situation.
-
Choices at QB are plentiful for Indianapolis
Whatever decision the Indianapolis Colts ultimately make on who will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2012, the job will ultimately be in good hands.
-
Pagano ready to begin Colts' rebuilding process
With the Peyton Manning situation still unresolved, a pair of recently hired Indianapolis Colts — coach Chuck Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson — are moving on with plans to rebuild the franchise.
-
Colts welcome Manusky aboard as defensive coordinator
On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson, coach Chuck Pagano and potential No. 1 draft pick Andrew Luck led the parade.
Grigson and Pagano confirmed the hiring of several assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, Marwan Maalouf (special teams), Roy Anderson (safeties), Alfredo Roberts (tight ends) and Brandt Boyer (assistant special teams). -
Mathis, Garcon at top of Colts’ wish list; Wayne isn’t
Expect defensive end Robert Mathis and wide receiver Pierre Garcon to be priorities for the Indianapolis Colts during free agency.
- More Colts Headlines
-
Colts have stocked up on tight ends
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Obama Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington Cemetery
Man in Crane at Texas College Says He's Armed
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Raw Video: Deadly Explosion at Minn. Paper Mill
Romney Campaigns Ahead of Claiming Nomination
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Romney Promises World's Strongest Military
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Panetta: Asia the 'Project' for New Navy Grads
Raw Video: Earthquake Shakes Evacuees in Italy
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
Obama Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veterans
Beryl Knocks Out Power in Florida
Raw Video: Memorial Day Aboard Intrepid
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
Justin Bieber Wanted for Questioning for L.A. Scuffle
J.Lo and Marc's Friendly Reunion
Jet makes emergency landing after debris falls off
Cynthia Nixon Ties the Knot
Woman, 80, Falls Out of Skydive Harness Mid-Jump
Keira Reveals Engagement Ring
