Friday, November 6, 2009
Sanders visits Andrews over elbow

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ESPN.com news services

The injuries are starting to pile up for the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.

The team has placed starting cornerback Marlin Jackson on injured reserve, ending his season, and announced that on Thursday, wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez underwent arthroscopic knee surgery.

AFC South blog
ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky writes about all things AFC South in his division blog.

• Blog network: NFL Nation

In addition, safety Bob Sanders consulted with noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews on an elbow injury he suffered in last week’s game against San Francisco.

Gonzalez, who has missed most of the season, suffered a recent setback in practice that led to surgery to clean out loose particles in his right knee, the team said. Gonzalez is expected to miss two to three weeks, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Sanders, one of the Colts’ best defenders, made his season debut in Week 7 after missing the Colts’ training camp, preseason and the first five games of the regular season after having surgery on his right knee.

Jackson suffered a knee injury during a non-contact drill on Wednesday. A team source told Schefter that Jackson tore his ACL on the final play of practice and is expected to have surgery next week.

Jackson’s newest injury came a day after the Colts placed linebacker Tyjuan Hagler on injured reserve with a ruptured biceps.

The Colts signed veteran defensive end Josh Thomas to replace Jackson on the active roster. Thomas played with the Colts from 2004 through 2008, starting in 12 of 68 appearances, and was credited with 172 tackles, including six sacks.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter contributed to this story.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hagler put on IR with biceps injury

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Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — The unbeaten Indianapolis Colts have lost starting linebacker Tyjuan Hagler for the rest of the season with a ruptured biceps.

Coach Jim Caldwell said Hagler was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

Second-year linebacker Philip Wheeler and undrafted rookie Ramon Humber are expected to replace Hagler. Indy also will promote rookie linebacker Cody Glenn to the active roster from the practice squad.

Hagler was fourth on the Colts with 36 tackles.

Running back Donald Brown (shoulder) and cornerback Marlin Jackson (strained ACL) were expected to practice Wednesday. Caldwell did not say whether they would play against Houston this weekend.

Colts’ Pro Bowl S Sanders may return vs. Rams
Associated Press
Updated: October 21, 2009, 3:35 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Colts safety Bob Sanders is on track to make his season debut Sunday at St. Louis.

The 2007 NFL defensive player of the year is expected to participate in most of Indianapolis’ workouts this week. Coach Jim Caldwell said Wednesday the team hopes he can play against the Rams but the decision will be made later this week.

Sanders missed all of training camp after having surgery on his right knee.

Sanders told reporters that he wants to play and is feeling better than he has in a long time. But he reiterated the importance of not rushing things too quickly.

The two-time Pro Bowler has played in just 43 of 85 games in six NFL seasons because of injuries.

Colts say Jonhson was cut for performance
It’s a little hard to believe Caldwell considering Johnson’s history and the fact that Johnson started each of the Colts’ first five games. Johnson probably angered coaches with his work habits. Second-round rookie Fili Moala, who has yet to play a down all season, is now a part of the rotation. October 15 – 11:41 a.m. ET
Source: Indianapolis Star

ColtsFans
10-14-08 3:30PM

You knew this day was coming sooner than later. The career of one of the most clutch kickers seems to be coming to an end as his primary tools (leg – IE: hip & knee) are failing. Adam Vinatieri winner of enough Super Bowl rings to take care of one hand may be done and dare I suggest he should be done.

It was obvious that having off season hip surgery was a telling sign that his body may be giving up on him. That coupled with the fact that the last couple years he has missed more than his fair share of field goal attempts. He has missed enough that if he were a lesser known name he would have already be cut from any team. He has missed a handful this season and a couple others have hit the posts and camera.

Now this injury to the knee of his kicking leg is the final chapter. Let’s certainly celebrate his successes and valuable contribution to the Colts Team. He deserves to definitely go out in style and that’s exactly what he should do “now”. Look at it from a team business standpoint. Does it make since to keep 3 kickers on the roster which is nearly unheard of? I think not. He has already passed the torch in regards to kickoffs because he simply doesn’t have the leg anymore.

The Colts did an awesome job replacing one of the best punters ever this past year when they drafted Pat McAfee to take the duties from Hunter Smith. They will undoubtedly be looking for kickers this next draft. Until then expect them to find an adequate replacement for the remainder of this season. First up, Matt Stover show us what you got left in your tank.

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Adam Vinatieri out 6 weeks; Stover signed
Adam Vinatieri – K – IND – Oct. 14 – 10:20 a.m. ET
Colts K Adam Vinatieri will miss at least the next six weeks after undergoing surgery on his right knee.
The Colts, who are on a bye, signed Matt Stover to take over. Vinatieri, 36, hasn’t been an effective kicker in several seasons and is a candidate for injured reserve. The Colts have been highly effective in the red zone this year, but that probably isn’t sustainable. Stover, Baltimore’s all-time leading scorer, is worth a look in fantasy leagues when Indianapolis is playing at home.
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Colts confirm NT Ed Johnson has been waived
USA Today
Ed Johnson – DL – IND – Oct. 14 – 12:06 p.m. ET
Colts waived NT Ed Johnson.
The move was originally reported by Profootballtalk.com and confirmed by the team Wednesday. Johnson started each of Indianapolis’ first five games, helping the club to rank 14th in the league against the run, which is very good for usually leaky Colts. Johnson’s behavioral problems date back to Penn State. He probably violated a team rule, and was re-signed before the season on a no-tolerance basis. Details figure to emerge soon.

ColtsFans
5:58PM

The Colts cut Ed Johnson (DT) for the second and final time. They had given him a second chance by allowing him to come back to the team this year. Coming into this season, Ed was suspended for possession of marijuana and had to miss the first game of the season.

It is a tough blow for the defensive line since he is the teams best run stopper. It hurts the Colts ability to stop the run. We had become a pretty good run stopping team over the last 4-5 weeks. Much of that was due to Ed’s size and ability. We also have Anthony Johnson to help stop the run.

The Colts have yet to confirm the story, but the press has reported it. The team has obviously not given any indication as to why the move was made or what may have transpired. Stay Tuned.

Sanders practices more on Wednesday: On Wednesday, safety Bob Sanders (knee) had his most extensive practice time since training camp started on Wednesday as the team prepares for its Week 5 game at Tennessee. How soon could Sanders play? If he sits out this week, Sanders could have essentially three full weeks of practice before Indy’s next game Oct. 25 at St. Louis. The Colts have a bye next week. Sanders is currently considered questionable for Week 5.
(Updated 10/07/2009).

Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Source: Freeney likely out two games

By Adam Schefter
ESPN

Doctors are expecting Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney to miss two to three weeks with a strained quadriceps, a league source said Tuesday morning.

It should be pointed out that in the past, Freeney has been a notoriously quick healer. But if doctors are correct, Freeney would miss the Colts next two games against Seattle and at Tennessee before Indianapolis hits its bye week on Oct. 18. Under that schedule, Freeney could return for the Colts’ game Oct. 25 at St. Louis.

Freeney was apparently injured Sunday night, when Cardinals offensive tackle Levi Brown pulled the Indianapolis defensive end’s face mask and Freeney heard a pop in his quad. He underwent an MRI exam on Monday and the Colts received the results Monday night.

Adam Schefter is an ESPN NFL Insider.

Updated: September 17, 2009, 3:12 PM ET
Gonzalez could miss up to 8 weeks

INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Gonzalez may be out longer than the Colts first feared and they appear to have a replacement for him, too.

Coach Jim Caldwell said the third-year receiver could miss up to two months after spraining ligaments in his right knee during Sunday’s 14-12 victory over Jacksonville.

Indianapolis apparently has signed former Philadelphia receiver Hank Baskett to take Gonzalez’s place. Though Caldwell would not confirm the move Thursday, quarterback Peyton Manning did.

“Since Anthony’s going to be out a while, hopefully we can catch him up as soon as possible,” Manning said when asked directly about having Baskett on the roster. “It’s a lot of offense to learn in a couple of days but he’s a veteran, so he could help us.”

The Colts play Miami on Monday.

Team president Bill Polian said this past Monday that the Colts would only sign a veteran receiver if Gonzalez was expected to miss more than four weeks. The next day, in an interview on NFL Network, Polian acknowledged Gonzalez was going to get a second opinion on the injured knee.

Caldwell did not provide any new details about the injury Thursday other than to say: “It could be two to between six and eight weeks.”

Initial reports indicated Gonzalez would not miss more than six weeks.

Losing Gonzalez for an extended period is a big blow to the Colts, who expected their 2007 first-round draft pick to replace Marvin Harrison, the franchise’s career receiving leader, in the starting lineup this season. Harrison was released in a cost-cutting move in February and has not been signed.

Gonzalez and Harrison put up nearly identical numbers last season, and the Colts thought Gonzalez was headed for a breakout year until he stepped across the line of scrimmage late in the first quarter Sunday and crumpled to the ground without touching another player.

The injury left the Colts (1-0) perilously thin at receiver. Aside from Reggie Wayne, the only other healthy receivers on the roster are second-year pro Pierre Garcon and rookie Austin Collie, a fourth-round draft pick from Brigham Young.

Both put in extra time in the film room this week.

“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. 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 already has learned one significant difference between college ball and the NFL.

“I didn’t feel as prepared for Jacksonville as I should have been,” he said. “I think I underestimated what needs to be put into it, and I think I learned that lesson. I’m getting in the film room more, seeing how they disguise different coverages and different blitzes.”

Baskett would give the Colts some intriguing possibilities. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, he’s bigger than any other Indy receiver.

He spent all three of his previous NFL seasons with the Eagles, who reached the NFC Championship game last year. But Baskett has just 72 career receptions for 1,052 yards and six TDs, and he caught only one pass for six yards in Sunday’s rout of Carolina.

The Eagles released Baskett on Wednesday.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Depleted Colts defense loses Bethea

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Associated Press

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Indianapolis Colts safety Antoine Bethea has cracked a bone in his right hand, leaving him on the sideline for both of Indianapolis’ practices Wednesday.

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ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky writes about all things AFC South in his division blog.

• Blog network: NFL Nation

Coach Jim Caldwell did not give a timetable for Bethea’s return. Caldwell said Bethea would be fitted for a cast and would return when he can play while wearing the cast.

Losing Bethea is a blow to a Colts defense that is still missing safety Bob Sanders. Caldwell said Wednesday morning he wasn’t sure Sanders would be back for the regular-season opener. Sanders had offseason knee surgery to clean up the same knee that kept him out of 10 games last season.

Bethea went to the Pro Bowl in 2007, the same year Sanders was the NFL’s defensive player of the year.

Coltsfans
8-26-09 6:00 PM

It seems all things are as they should be with the knee. It is my belief that the Colts are just being ultra careful not to lose a Def leader before the season even starts. It is a very smart call based on Sanders’ track record on two counts. First, he has shown a tendancy for his beastly play to result in injuries. Everyone knows this and it is the topic of many sports conversations. The second reason is most often overlooked and rarely mentioned by sports analysts. I think Bob has proven over the last couple years that he does not take long to get into football shape & his conditioning is elite. His talent does make him a special case and one that does not warrant the risk of sending him onto the field during preseason games.

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CBS Sports
Andrews, who performed the initial surgery on Sanders, has told Colts officials Sanders’ rehabilitation is on schedule. “(Sanders is) doing well. Dr. Andrews has looked at him and really feels he’s on target and coming along,” coach Jim Caldwell said this week. “He’ll be there for a couple days and when he comes back, he’ll continue on with the process he’s going through here in terms of his rehab. Team president Bill Polian told an Indianapolis radio station on Wednesday that he will wait before making a final decision on placing Sanders on the Colts’ 53-player roster or to leave him on the PUP list. Sanders is a good No. 2 Fantasy DB in IDP formats when he’s healthy, but that seems to be a big question mark.
(Updated 08/26/2009).

ColtsFans
8-30-09 5:30PM

I have been telling my friends two things leading up to the Colts season. The first is that with Coaches Mudd & Moore back, there will not be any instability at all. Add to that perhaps a more aggresive Colts Def. Line.
Don’t sweat the coaches!!

In regards to our defense, I have been telling folks that this is the best Defense & depth we have had in quite some time. Our Def. Tackles & Linebackers are strong and deep. This is going to be a major beneficial change for the entire defense. For example, Bob Sanders & the safeties can actual play where safeties are suppose to. Of course once in awhile he will come up for a blitz, but it will no longer be mandatory for him to leave his position to stop the run. This should lead to increased ball hawking in the secondary. If we can get pressure up front, our secondary will be the benefactor.

Finally, I have not heard or seen any discussion about special teams when it comes to the punter. Pat McAfee has been a pleasant surprise in the preseason games. I expect him to help us quite a bit in the field position game. Hunter Smith was one of the best in the business and if we have managed to snag someone capable of filling those shoes, we are in good hands (or should I say feet).
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August 30, 2009 9:30 AM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

Three quick hits on the Indianapolis Colts:

1. Jim Caldwell will be a steady leader. Sure, there is still some adjusting for a team led by Tony Dungy for so long. But Caldwell has a similar demeanor, and the first time this team faces a crisis and looks to him, I expect it’ll like how he responds. Too much has been made of other changes on the coaching staff. Tom Moore and Howard Mudd are back in place leading the offense and offensive line, respectively, after retirements that helped with their pensions. And new defensive coordinator Larry Coyer and special teams coach Ray Rychleski replaced coaches many thought Dungy had been loyal to for too long.

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Indianapolis Colts

2. The defense is bigger and more physical. Philip Wheeler and Clint Session are more rugged as the outside backers. The interior defensive line is much bigger with Ed Johnson back and rookies Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor in the mix. That should mean the team fares better in run defense, but all these guys can run too, so the team hasn’t sacrificed its dedication to speed. Look for more variety on defense, as indications are a Cover-2 team will play more man and do more blitzing. Whatever the new wrinkles to the scheme, the mindset is more aggressive. Safety Bob Sanders many not be ready for opening day but the team has an excellent fill-in with Melvin Bullitt.

3. Marvin Harrison was hardly himself last year, and while not having him makes things different for Peyton Manning, he’s got a solid stable of weapons with Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. While protection and run blocking are issues at the start, firepower shouldn’t be. Addai looks primed for a rebound after a second-year slow-down and Brown is a more dynamic second option out of the backfield.

Jim Caldwell, Tony Dungy, Tom Moore, Howard Mudd, Larry Coyer, Ray Rychleski, Phillip Wheeler, Clint Session, Philip Wheeler, Ed Johnson, Fili Moala, Terrance Taylor, Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, Three and Out

September 5, 3:01 PM
Indianapolis Colts ExaminerJohn Oehser

Still on the roster: first-year WR Taj Smith scores vs. Cincinnati Thursday (AP)The Indianapolis Colts continued to work toward the NFL’s 53-man roster limit early Saturday, and as they did, four more moves became public.

Two were something of a surprise.

Marcus Howard, a defensive end and a fifth-round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft from the University of Georgia, was among the players released, as was Adrian Grady, a rookie free-agent defensive tackle from Louisville.

The Colts also released free agent rookie WR John Matthews and free-agent rookie RB Walter Mendenhall, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Howard had played extensively in the preseason, and had a sack. Grady had five tackles against Cincinnati this past Thursday and had a tackle for loss in the Week 3 preseason game against Detroit. Pro Football Talk is reporting the Howard release and Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star is reporting Grady, Mendenhall and Matthews.

The Colts have released CB Dante Hughes, OL Steve Justice and CB Nick Graham, the Star reported Friday.

Also Saturday, several former Colts players were released from new teams:

* RB Dominic Rhodes, who played with Colts from 2001-2006 and again last season, was released by the Buffalo Bills, according to Alex Marvez of Fox Sports.

* WR John Standeford, who spent time on the Colts’ practice squad and active roster from 2004-2007, was released by the Detroit Lions, according to Tom Curran of NBC.

* DT Dan Klecko, who spent 2006 and 2007 with the Colts, has been released by the Eagles, Brad Biggs of the National Football Post is twittering.

* LB Rocky Boiman, who who spent 2006 and 2007 with the Colts, has been released by Tennessee, the Nashville Tennessean is reporting.

September 5, 2009
By Mike Chappell

Colts activate Sanders, make final cuts

The Indianapolis Colts moved safety Bob Sanders to the active roster as part of trimming their roster to 53 today.

Sanders had been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of training camp after undergoing surgery on his right knee. The NFL’s 2007 Defensive Player of the Year is eligible for next Sunday’s regular-season opener against Jacksonville, but it’s highly doubtful he’s far enough along in his rehabilitation to play.

The team waived cornerback Dante Hughes, running backs Lance Ball and Walter Mendenhall, wide receivers Sam Giguere, Taj Smith, John Matthews and Brett McDermott, defensive linemen John Gill, Adrian Grady, Marcus Howard, Terrance Taylor and Josh Thomas, offensive linemen Steve Justice, Jaimie Thomas, Tom Pestock and Michael Toudouze, and linebacker Michael Tauiliili.

Waived-injured were cornerback Nick Graham, defensive back Travis Key and tight end Jamie Petrowski.

Defensive tackle Ed Johnson has been suspended for the season opener and does not count against the current 53-player roster.

ColtsFans
9-6-09

What Game you ask? The cut & resign game. The Colts made their final cuts as late as possible and then turned around on Sunday and beat many teams to make further moves. 5 of their original cuts were re-signed to the practice squad.
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Colts make flurry of Sunday moves: Running back Mike Hart was signed to Indianapolis’ practice squad Sunday, one day after being released in the team’s final cuts. The Colts also claimed linebacker Cody Glenn off waivers. Glenn was Washington’s fifth-round draft pick in April. To make room for Glenn on the 53-man roster, Indy waived safety Matt Giordano. Indy also added receivers Samuel Giguere, John Matthews and Taj Smith; tight end Colin Cloherty and defensive tackle John Gill to the practice squad.
(Updated 09/06/2009).

PRACTICE SQUAD
NO. NAME POS. HT. WT. EXP. COLLEGE
46 Cloherty, Colin TE 6-2 245 R Brown
69 Gill, John DT 6-3 302 R Northwestern
– Hall, Devon DB 6-3 212 R Utah State
32 Hart, Mike RB 5-9 206 2 Michigan
83 Matthews, John WR 6-0 197 R San Diego
– Pociask, Jason TE 6-3 259 2 Wisconsin
10 Smith, Taj WR 6-0 192 1 Syracuse
73 Thomas, Jaimie OG 6-4 330 R Maryland

ACTIVE ROSTER
NO. NAME POS. HT. WT. EXP. COLLEGE
29 Addai, Joseph RB 5-11 214 4 LSU
08 Andrus, Shane K 5-10 190 1 Murray State
41 Bethea, Antoine DB 5-11 203 4 Howard
58 Brackett, Gary LB 5-11 235 7 Rutgers
79 Brock, Raheem DE 6-4 274 8 Temple
31 Brown, Donald RB 5-10 210 R Connecticut
33 Bullitt, Melvin DB 6-1 201 3 Texas A&M
44 Clark, Dallas TE 6-3 252 7 Iowa
17 Collie, Austin WR 6-0 200 R Brigham Young
96 Dawson, Keyunta DE 6-3 254 3 Texas Tech
66 DeVan, Kyle OG 6-2 306 1 Oregon State
71 Diem, Ryan OT 6-6 320 9 Northern Illinois
76 Federkeil, Daniel OT 6-6 290 4 Calgary
68 Foster, Eric DT 6-2 265 2 Rutgers
43 Francisco, Aaron DB 6-2 207 5 Brigham Young
93 Freeney, Dwight DE 6-1 268 8 Syracuse
85 Garcon, Pierre WR 6-0 210 2 Mount Union
52 Glenn, Cody LB 6-0 240 R Nebraska
11 Gonzalez, Anthony WR 6-0 193 3 Ohio State
56 Hagler, Tyjuan LB 6-0 236 4 Cincinnati
26 Hayden, Kelvin DB 6-0 195 5 Illinois
59 Humber, Ramon LB 5-11 232 R North Dakota State
28 Jackson, Marlin DB 6-0 196 5 Michigan
23 Jennings, Tim DB 5-8 185 4 Georgia
74 Johnson, Charlie OT 6-4 305 4 Oklahoma State
92 Johnson, Ed DT 6-2 296 3 Penn State
99 Johnson, Antonio DT 6-3 310 3 Mississippi State
54 Keiaho, Freddy LB 5-11 226 4 San Diego State
27 Lacey, Jacob DB 5-10 177 R Oklahoma State
65 Lilja, Ryan OG 6-2 290 6 Kansas State
18 Manning, Peyton QB 6-5 230 12 Tennessee
98 Mathis, Robert DE 6-2 245 7 Alabama A&M
01 McAfee, Pat P 6-1 220 R West Virginia
95 Moala, Fili DT 6-4 303 R Southern California
90 Muir, Daniel DT 6-2 312 3 Kent State
07 Painter, Curtis QB 6-4 230 R Purdue
78 Pollak, Mike OG 6-3 301 2 Arizona State
25 Powers, Jerraud DB 5-10 192 R Auburn
61 Richard, Jamey OG 6-5 295 2 Buffalo
47 Robinson, Gijon TE 6-1 255 2 Missouri Western State
20 Rushing, T.J. DB 5-9 186 4 Stanford
21 Sanders, Bob DB 5-8 206 6 Iowa
86 Santi, Tom TE 6-3 250 2 Virginia
63 Saturday, Jeff C 6-2 295 11 North Carolina
55 Session, Clint LB 6-0 235 3 Pittsburgh
40 Silva, Jamie DB 5-11 204 2 Boston College
35 Simpson, Chad RB 5-9 216 2 Morgan State
48 Snow, Justin TE 6-3 240 10 Baylor
12 Sorgi, Jim QB 6-5 196 6 Wisconsin
84 Tamme, Jacob TE 6-3 236 2 Kentucky
67 Ugoh, Tony OT 6-5 301 3 Arkansas
04 Vinatieri, Adam K 6-0 202 14 South Dakota State
87 Wayne, Reggie WR 6-0 198 9 Miami (Florida)
50 Wheeler, Philip LB 6-2 240 2 Georgia Tech

News briefs: Colts cut two to clear spot for DT Johnson
Sep. 16, 2009
CBSSports.com wire reports

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts have waived kicker Shane Andrus and rookie linebacker Cody Glenn, clearing one roster spot for defensive tackle Ed Johnson and possibly another to add a receiver.

Johnson did not play Sunday against Jacksonville because he was serving a league-imposed one-game suspension.

Andrus was the third kicker on Indy’s roster. He handled kickoffs while Adam Vinatieri worked his way back from offseason knee and hip surgery.

The Colts have not announced what they’ll do to replace receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who sprained ligaments in his right knee Sunday. But they now have an open spot on the roster heading into Monday’s game against Miami.

Updated: September 17, 2009, 8:40 AM ET
Source: Colts to sign Baskett
ESPN.com news services

The Indianapolis Colts will sign former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Hank Baskett on Thursday, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Colts have been in the market for a receiver since losing Anthony Gonzalez to a knee injury.

After releasing Marvin Harrison in a cost-cutting move in February, the Colts expected two former first-round picks, receivers Reggie Wayne and Gonzalez to step up.

But Gonzalez sprained ligaments in his right knee Sunday and is expected to miss several weeks. The Indianapolis Star, citing a source, reported Thursday that Gonzalez won’t require surgery and hopes to return after the Colts’ Oct. 18 bye — meaning he will miss four games.

Baskett was one of seven receivers the Eagles carried on their 53-man roster through Week 1. He became expendable after Philadelphia selected Jeremy Maclin in the first round of April’s draft and added Brandon Gibson in the sixth round.

Baskett had 72 catches for 1,052 yards and six touchdowns in 48 games with the Eagles.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.