WR Anthony Gonzalez (2005 All B1G, US Congressman)

[Buckskin86]

Gonzalez resists thinking what could be
February, 2, 2010
By Paul Kuharsky

MIAMI -- Anthony Gonzalez looked uncomfortable, as you?d expect.

He suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of the season's first game, and he?s been a spectator ever since. He was supposed to be the young receiver who carved out a bigger niche and became a reliable target for Peyton Manning.

But as he?s rehabilitated, he?s watched his friends Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie do the job and heard the questions about next year. With Gonzalez healthy, the Colts should have an embarrassment of riches for Manning with Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Garcon, and Collie.

?I?m feeling a lot better, the rehab has been a lot longer than I would have liked, but it?s getting stronger every day, I?m getting better every day and I feel very, very confident about next year,? he said.

I asked him about the difficult dynamic of rooting for the team and wishing the other receivers well versus the temptation to think about how that should be or could be him.

?They are getting what they deserve, they are performing exactly how they prepare and exactly how they practice, which is always nice to see,? he said. ?I think the big thing is when you?re watching, you try not to do the ?That-could-be-me? thing. It will literally depress you instantly if that?s how you think.

?It?s certainly natural. It?s frustrating. You work so hard all year to play 16 regular season games and hopefully make your way into the playoffs and then when it gets taken away from you in the first game in the first quarter, it?s very disheartening and it?s difficult.

How did he keep from getting depressed?

?Time,? he said. ?Time heals 99 percent of the wounds in this world. That?s all it is, time. There?s no magic formula. You can?t read a book and feel better. You just go through things, you know??

Gonzalez resists thinking what could be - AFC South Blog - ESPN

 

[Buckskin86]

Gonzalez gone but not forgottenFeb. 6, 2010
By Jamey Eisenberg
Senior Fantasy Writer

MIAMI -- Anthony Gonzalez is excited the Colts are playing in Super Bowl XLIV against the Saints, but it's a bittersweet feeling. The wide receiver would rather be on the field instead of watching.

Gonzalez, who was expected to be a significant part of the offense, injured his knee in Week 1 and missed the rest of the season. He said in an interview with CBSSports.com during media day his knee is "feeling good," and he's on track to return in 2010.

But that doesn't take away the sting of missing the Super Bowl.

"It's an exciting time for the team and everybody out there playing," Gonzalez said. "From that standpoint it's been a lot of fun watching. But obviously it pales in comparison to being able to play. It's been difficult personally."

Gonzalez entered 2009, his third year in the NFL, expecting to have a breakout season. He was replacing the departed Marvin Harrison and starting opposite Reggie Wayne.

It will be interesting to see how Gonzalez fits into the Indy offense in 2010. (US Presswire)

When you play with Peyton Manning in the Colts pass-happy offense, good things can happen for wide receivers, and we were excited for Gonzalez as a solid Fantasy option. Only he never caught a pass since he was hurt in the first quarter in Week 1 against Jacksonville.

He kept trying to come back, but his rehab never got him to the point where he could make a healthy return. Eventually, he was put on injured reserve, ending his season.

"It wasn't that it was bad," Gonzalez said. "It just never turned the corner. Now that I've kind of shut it down and had time to just focus on rehab it has really gotten a lot better. It's obviously frustrating because it didn't happen sooner, but there's no question that I'll be back playing next year."

Fantasy Football - Gonzalez gone but not forgotten : FantasyNews.CBSSports.com

Gonzo Sitting This One Out | Football Article

Gonzo Sitting This One Out
By Steve Helwagen
[email protected]
Posted Feb 06, 2010

Knee injury costs former Buckeye Anthony Gonzalez his season, chance to play in Super Bowl.

Gonzo Sitting This One Out | Football Article

 

[Buckskin86]

On the team's wide receiver situation with Anthony Gonzalez, Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon: ?We may go four wides. That's a strength. You think I'm kidding. But I'm also half serious about it, too, because if that proves to be the case, maybe that could happen in some cases. But obviously we're not going to take (tight end) Dallas Clark off the field, either. Obviously it's a great situation to have. We feel at some point we're going to have some competition to see who fits where. And that's what we'll do. I anticipate some good healthy competition. We're in a situation we haven't been in since (2004) when we had three receivers over 1,000 yards, Brandon Stokely, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. That was a good group. This group is as talented. As much as we throw the ball, we'll find a place. If they're all healthy and ready to go, we'll find a place. I don't think Gonzalez is quite where he'd like to be, but by the time we get rolling he'll be there.?

Indianapolis Colts Daily Digest: Jim Caldwell at the Annual Meetings (part 2)

 

[Buckskin86]

Bob Sanders and Anthony Gonzalez. All but one of the players who started in the Super Bowl return, and that cast should be bolstered by the return of Sanders, who was limited to two games by a knee issue and a ruptured biceps tendon, and Gonzalez, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opener.

Sanders, a safety, and Gonzalez, a wide receiver, are on pace to make full recoveries, and should be ready when training camp opens in August.

"Getting Sanders and Gonzalez back is like getting two No. 1s (draft picks)," Irsay said. "Along with those two . . . our star players are still in their prime.''

Irsay: 'Good change' was necessary for Colts | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

 

[Buckskin86]

Colts excited about return of Sanders, Gonzalez
Posted April 23, 2010
By Dan Arkush

Should the Colts end up shooting blanks in this year's draft, which is quite unlikely considering the impressive track record of the team's personnel staff under the direction of team president Bill Polian, they still figure to be on another fast track to a successful season.

Just ask team owner Jim Irsay.

"Getting (SS Bob) Sanders and (WR Anthony) Gonzalez back is like getting two No. 1s," Irsay said at the league owners' meetings in late March. "Along with those two ? our star players are still in their prime."

Not counting Sanders, who was limited to two games last season because of knee problems and a ruptured biceps tendon, and Gonzalez, who went down for the season in Week One with a freak knee injury on a play in which he was untouched, all but one of the players who started in Super Bowl XLIV (OLG Ryan Lilja) are expected back.

While daily team observers never can be totally sure considering the veil of secrecy the Colts routinely maintain on the subject of injuries. all indications do indeed point to both Sanders and Gonzalez being completely healthy when training camp opens.

Gonzalez gives the Colts an embarrassment of riches at the WR position in 2010 following the impressive coming-out parties of young WRs Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon in his absence.

"He's a more natural slot receiver, but as good as Collie was at that position, it's likely Anthony also will play a lot outside," the insider said. "He has plenty of experience at both positions."

ProFootballWeekly.com - Colts excited about return of Sanders, Gonzalez

 

[Buckskin86]

QUESTION: Who will the Colts' No. 3 receiver be this season? Pierre Garcon or Austin Collie? And what will we do the other?
-- from David, Fairport, New York

ANSWER: It's a good question, and one that won't be answered until the end of training camp. I don't think it's a given that Anthony Gonzalez will be the starter alongside Reggie Wayne when the Colts only use two receivers. The coaching staff might prefer to use Wayne and Garcon because of Garcon's deep speed. That would leave Gonzalez and Collie in a competition for the No. 3 role in the slot. As much as we try to pigeonhole the receivers, the Colts do a pretty good job of moving guys around. It's safe to assume Wayne will be on the field all the time. The same with tight end Dallas Clark. They are difference makers. I expect the other three guys - Gonzo, Garcon and Collie - to be used in some type of rotation.

IndyStar.com | Ask the Expert: Colts | The Indianapolis Star

 

[Buckskin86]

Dallas Clark says Anthony Gonzalez is "100%"
by BigBlueShoe on May 17, 2010

Dallas Clark does a lot of charity and fundraiser work in the off-season because Dallas Clark is one of the true "good guys" in this league. I thought it important to mention this because football is always battling against the cheating antics of people like Brian Cushing or the sleaze ball stupidity of supposed "legends" like Lawrence Taylor.

That said, Dallas Clark was a yet another fundraiser recently and someone asked him about the health of Colts wideout Anthony Gonzalez. Manning4ever was kind enough to FanPost the interview here:

[Gonzalez is] a guy that's done a great job being productive. And when he's out there, he's done a lot of great things. It's just been unfortunate that he's had just a bad run with his knee. But, he was running today. I mean, he's 100%. He looked good. Felt good. And I think he's definitely really excited about getting back out there and playing and getting back out there on the field and making plays.

While Dallas Clark is by no means a doctor, this assessment brings optimism after Colts beat writer Mike Chappell gave us a different perspective on Gonzo's health:

Every indication is that Sanders and Gonzalez are on schedule with their rehabs. I'm not certain if each will be medically cleared for 100 percent participation in training camp, but I'm expected them to be ready for the start of the regular season.

It stands to reason that if a player is "100%," as Dallas said Gonzo is, then we should expect to see Gonzo in uniform and running the first day of mini-camp as well has training camp. If Gonzo is feeling good, then this brings a smile to my face and some optimism as to his recovery.

Dallas Clark says Anthony Gonzalez is "100%" - Stampede Blue

 

[Buckskin86]

Sanders, Gonzalez, Vinatieri take 1st steps toward return
Players who missed much of last year are healthy, start preparation for the fall
By Mike Chappell
Posted: May 21, 2010.

The most uplifting aspect to the Indianapolis Colts' latest offseason work Thursday had little to do with the sunshine that warmed the practice field.

Rather, it was the bounce in the steps of safety Bob Sanders and wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez and optimistic disposition of place-kicker Adam Vinatieri. All were virtual non-factors last season as the Colts got off to a 14-0 start before reaching Super Bowl XLIV, where they lost 31-17 to the New Orleans Saints.

No longer.

"It was nice just to finally be back and feel like you're part of the team again," said Gonzalez, who did not return after suffering ligament damage in his right knee in the '09 season opener against Jacksonville. "Personally, (practice) was a lot of fun.

There's no question in Gonzalez's mind he is back to his old self, or as close as he'll ever be.

"I don't know if I'll be 100 percent ever again with my knee, (but) it's pretty darned close," he said. "My speed's back. My route running feels like it's there."

All that remains is for Gonzalez to reclaim his spot in the positional pecking order. Before going down, the team's 2007 first-round draft pick was the No. 2 receiver behind Reggie Wayne. With Gonzalez out of the mix, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie emerged as solid options for quarterback Peyton Manning, combining for 107 receptions, 1,441 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"I've been told I'm going to have an opportunity to compete for my job again," Gonzalez said. "That's all I want, an opportunity."

Sanders, Gonzalez, Vinatieri take 1st steps toward return | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

 

[Buckskin86]

RE-PROVING HIMSELF
By John Oehser - Special to Colts.com
Friday, May 21 2010

Anthony Gonzalez Says His Speed is Back After Missing Much of Last Season

INDIANAPOLIS ? Anthony Gonzalez has something to prove.

And Gonzalez said although that's true, he also said it's not necessarily for the reasons some observers and analysts might believe.

It's not because of competition at his position, wide receiver.

Or because he is returning after a difficult season.

Gonzalez, a first-round selection by the Colts in the 2007 NFL Draft, said what he wants to prove in the coming months has less to do with his individual, specific circumstance and far more to do with something more basic, and that's this:

He's in the NFL.

And there, there's always something to prove.

?I think you have to re-prove yourself whether you?re an All-Pro or a rookie or coming off an injury,? Gonzalez said this week following a session of the Colts' 2010 organized team activities, four weeks of on-field, team-oriented activities scheduled to be held through June 11 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.

?This is the NFL. They are phenomenal athletes here. No matter who you are, you kind of have to re-prove yourself every year.?

The Official Website of the Indianapolis Colts

 

[Buckskin86]

Anthony Gonzalez is idle again
Posted by Evan Silva on June 6, 2010

In a Sunday blog post, Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star reveals that Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez is again idle at offseason workouts.

The Colts are currently conducting a mandatory minicamp. Gonzalez participated in the team's last round of OTAs. Jim Caldwell's coaching staff is not commenting on injuries, so the reason for Gonzalez's lack of participation is unclear.

Gonzalez, a first-round pick in 2007, caught 57 passes for 664 yards and four touchdowns as Indianapolis' third receiver in 2008. Seemingly primed for a breakout last year with Marvin Harrison gone, Gonzalez suffered an injury in Week One and never returned.

Flanker Pierre Garcon and slot receiver Austin Collie flourished with increased opportunity.

The Colts have built up enough depth at receiver to withstand Gonzalez's loss, but another knee injury would be of concern for his future. Gonzalez was already in danger of entering the season as no better than a fourth receiver.

Anthony Gonzalez is idle again | ProFootballTalk.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Anthony Gonzalez missed minicamp after suffering "setback"
Posted by Mike Florio on June 9, 2010

When Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez suffered a knee injury during Week 1 of the 2009 season, in his first game as the heir to Marvin Harrison, no one knew when he'd be back.

He missed the rest of the season, along with the playoffs. And according to WISH-TV (via our friend Bradley Wells a/k/a BigBlueShoe a/k/a Guys Who Rips Me Mercilessly At Times But Curiously We're Friends of StampedeBlue.com), Gonzalez suffered a "setback" last Tuesday, which caused him to miss the team's recent mandatory minicamp.

A first-round draft pick in 2007, Gonzalez faces an uphill climb to return to the starting lineup, given the performances of players like Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon.

At some point, Gonzalez's roster spot also could be in jeopardy.

Anthony Gonzalez missed minicamp after suffering "setback" | ProFootballTalk.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Colts WR Gonzalez suffers minor hamstring injury, should be OK
Jason La Canfora By Jason La Canfora | NFL Network

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez suffered a minor hamstring injury during his comeback from another ailment, but he isn't expected to be out long, a league source said Wednesday.

Gonzalez is recovering from a knee injury that basically wiped out his 2009 season, but the hamstring injury is unrelated to that, according to the source. Gonzalez had been an emerging star for the Colts after being taken in the first round of the 2007 draft, and he had done well in recent practices.

The date of Gonzalez's return is unknown. The Colts are scheduled to hold their final organized team activities Thursday and Friday, then take a break before training camp starts in late July.

Colts WR Gonzalez suffers minor hamstring injury, should be OK

 

[Buckskin86]

June 11, 2010
What's up with Gonzo, and who's the backup QB?

QUESTION: Someone said that Anthony Gonzalez went down again in the OTAs. Is that true?
-- from Joe, New York City

ANSWER: After participating in the early OTA sessions, Gonzo did not participate in the last couple the media was allowed to watch and did not participate in the three-day minicamp. The team is not providing any specific details to the injury. However, team president Bill Polian told me Friday the latest injury is not related to the knee injury that forced Gonzo to miss virtually all of the 2009 season. When I asked him to elaborate, all he said is that the injury was "muscular'' in nature. That's as specific as he would get. Coach Jim Caldwell said Gonzo would be ready for training camp. His quote: "Trust me.''

IndyStar.com | Ask the Expert: Colts | The Indianapolis Star

 

[Buckskin86]

QUESTION: How do you feel the Colts will work the rotation at the wide receiver position? Are we looking at more four wide sets? Who has the hot hand? How do you see the number of reps each game for Pierre garcon, Anthony Gonzalez and Austin Collie?
-- from Dann Giszewski, Mishawaka, IN

ANSWER: There's no question in my mind the most interesting area for training camp will be wide receiver. This has the potential to be one of the deepest groups, if not the deepest group, the Colts have had. My current pecking order has Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon being the outside starters with Anthony Gonzalez ahead of Austin Collie as the slot receiver. I just like the deep speed Garcon provides on the outside, even though I really like Gonzo's after-the-catch skills. Gonzo said he's been assured by the coaching staff that he'll be given an opportunity to compete with Garcon for the No. 2 spot alongside Wayne. We'll see how that shakes out. One thing to keep in mind is you also have to figure Dallas Clark into the rotation. As I mentioned, a very, very deep and talented group. Somebody's playing time is going to diminish, and my hunch is it will be Collie. Again, just a hunch.

IndyStar.com | Ask the Expert: Colts | The Indianapolis Star

 

[Buckskin86]

Twenty-one questions on the 2010 Indianapolis Colts . . . No. 6: Will WR Anthony Gonzalez start?
July 14
Indianapolis Colts ExaminerJohn Oehser

With training camp a little more than two weeks away, Indy Football Report Editor John Oehser will spend the final weeks of the off-season examining 21 questions about the Indianapolis Colts entering 2010 . . .

No. 6: Will WR Anthony Gonzalez move into a starting role?

We move today to the sixth part of this series examining 21 questions around the 2010 Indianapolis Colts, this one addressing what has been an oft-debated issue among fans and media since the end of last season: Will WR Anthony Gonzalez into a starting role in 2010?

The answer is it's impossible to project.

But the positive news for the Colts is that he may not need to start for them to have an elite-level wide receiving corps. Such is the level of talent the Colts have at the position.

Gonzalez, a first-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, played extensively his first two seasons and entered last season as the Colts' starting outside wide receiver opposite Reggie Wayne. He then sustained a knee injury in a regular-season opening victory over Jacksonville.

He spent the next few months rehabilitating, and pushing to make a return to the lineup, but was placed on injured reserve late in the season having played one game.

He worked at times during the off-season and Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell said during organized team activities that he liked what he had seen from Gonzalez.

?I?ve had the chance to watch him here the last few weeks actually,? Caldwell said in May. ?He?s moving well, and certainly catching the ball well, but also I just think he looks like he?s well equipped to start right where he left off.?

Twenty-one questions on the 2010 Indianapolis Colts . . . No. 6: Will WR Anthony Gonzalez start?