INDIANAPOLIS —
Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez said he’s healthy and ready for Sunday’s regular-season opener at Houston.
Gonzalez, though, isn’t willing to discuss what his role within the Colts’ offense will be against the Texans.
The former Ohio State standout, a first-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2007, missed most of last season with a knee injury that he suffered in the 2009 season opener.
He has been battling third-year wide receiver Pierre Garcon for the starting No. 2 job opposite Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne since offseason workouts began in the spring.
“I have an idea what it’s going to be. We’ll figure it out on Sunday,” Gonzalez said Monday. “Until Sunday, I don’t think it’s worth speculating.”
He can play the slot, where he worked primarily as a rookie until a knee injury sidelined starter Marvin Harrison. The Cleveland native then moved outside and started there at the beginning of last season before he was hurt against Jacksonville.
Coming into this year, his goal was to win the No. 2 receiving job outright. Garcon is coming off a banner season (47 receptions for 765 yards and four touchdowns) as is second-year receiver Austin Collie (60 catches for 676 yards and seven touchdowns).
Collie has gotten work as both a slot receiver, where he played as a rookie, and outside (when Garcon was sidelined early in the preseason).
“What I wanted was an opportunity to compete for a job,” Gonzalez said. “All I wanted was what was promised to me. I’m probably not the person to ask (if he will start Sunday). Whether a job is open, whether there is competition (for a job) is something that is determined by coaches, not by players.”
u Versatility helps — Undrafted rookie cornerback Brandon King could end up being the Colts’ fourth safety. King played safety and was a nickelback while at Purdue. The ability to help out at two positions probably played a large role in King earning a spot on the team’s 53-man regular-season roster.
“I think I’m going to be playing some safety. It seems like it anyway,” the Warner Robins, Ga., native said Monday. “Whatever I can do to help the team. I played safety in college for four years so this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch.
“I played a lot of nickel (at Purdue). The nickel is like a linebacker. I’ve played a lot of nickel here (during organized team activities and training camp). That’s basically what a safety does. It won’t be too much of a difference. All they have to tell me is ‘You’re doing this,’ and I’m doing it. I’m just glad to be on the roster. Whatever it takes to help this team win.”
u Moore to return kicks — Former Cardinal Ritter running back Devin Moore has won the job to be the Colts’ regular kickoff and punt return specialist. He also will be the team’s No. 4 running back behind Joseph Addai, Donald Brown and Mike Hart.
Moore won the job over Brandon James, Javarris James (who was released and could be added to the Patriots’ practice squad) and Sam Giguere.
u Practice squad additions — The Colts finished assembling the practice squad Monday, adding rookie wide receiver Alric Arnett, rookie cornerback Cornelius Brown and second-year offensive tackle Xavier Fulton to the list that had been announced Sunday.
Arnett played at West Virginia and was recently waived by Denver. Brown played at Texas-El Paso and had been cut by Chicago. Fulton was released by Tampa Bay after playing collegiately at Illinois.
They join quarterback Tom Brandstater, defensive end John Chick, rookie kick returner Brandon James, rookie safety Mike Newton and rookie wide receiver Blair White on the practice squad.
u New cornerback — Justin Tryon, obtained through a trade with the Washington Redskins on Saturday, is on the regular-season roster. Tryon is still learning the Colts’ defensive system but could get work on special teams this week.
“He’s a guy that has played in the league and certainly has some experience, but he also has good foot speed, he covers well and he’s versatile. He’s played a little bit inside and outside, as well,” head coach Jim Caldwell said.
u Injury list — Six players sat out Monday’s practice: offensive tackle Charlie Johnson (foot), offensive tackle Tony Ugoh (toe), rookie offensive guard Jacques McClendon (undisclosed), cornerback Jacob Lacey (concussion), defensive tackle Antonio Johnson (groin) and wide receiver Pierre Garcon (undisclosed).
Center Jeff Saturday (knee) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (foot) both took part in the workout.
There has been no decision on whether Saturday will play at Houston on Sunday.
“I’ll tell you this, he has a real good shot at it. Let’s put it that way,” Caldwell said.
While Johnson hopes to play against the Texans, the Colts are taking a wait-and-see approach.
“He has a shot,” Caldwell said.
It hasn’t been decided if Ugoh will be able to play Sunday.
“There is a possibility with him, but we’ll know a little later on in the week,” Caldwell said.
Colts
Related Photos
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (11) is tackled by Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins (36) during the first half Aug. 26 in Green Bay, Wis. Jeffrey Phelps / The Associated Press
Discussion
Gonzalez's role in offense remains unclear
Colts WR says he knows, but answer will come Sunday
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