Eagles cut Baskett, remove Vick from exempt list
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Eagles cut Baskett, remove Vick from exempt list
Bob Brookover
With the Eagles, the news just keeps on coming.
The latest is that the team has released wide receiver Hank Baskett in order to make room on the roster for quarterback Michael Vick, who has been removed from the exempt list.
"I'm not speaking about it yet," said Baskett when reached by phone.
Baskett had one catch for six yards Sunday and 72 catches for 1,052 yards and six touchdowns during parts of four seasons.
The sequence of today's events, including Shawn Andrews being placed on injured reserve, could have positive ramifications for two quarterbacks.
Vick obviously will be pleased that he can return to the practice field tomorrow as he awaits his reinstatement for the Week 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The departure of Baskett, meanwhile, could open the door for Jeff Garcia to remain whenever Donovan McNabb is able to return from his fractured rib injury. Garcia suggested Monday that he felt he could help Kevin Kolb in his development as a quarterback.
"I think with Kevin there, being a young guy, I can just open his eyes to some things that maybe he hasn't open his eyes to as of yet," Garcia said. "I'm sure he's been able to see so much of that through Donovan (McNabb), but I want to be able to help out where I can."
Of course, the player who may benefit most from Baskett's release is veteran receiver Reggie Brown, who did not dress for Sunday's season opener against Carolina. Brown likely will be activated Sunday against New Orleans and it will be interesting to see what roles he plays on special teams, which is why Baskett got the nod over him against the Panthers.
Jackson special teams player of the week
Wide receiver DeSean Jackson was named the NFC special teams player of the week after returning a punt 85 yards for a touchdown in the Eagles' opening-day win over Carolina. It was Jackson's second career punt return for a touchdown.
He also returned a second punt 21 yards, giving him a 53-yard average, the best in the league after Week 1.
Can someone explain why the Birds would do this when MV won't be eligible to play for another week? At least we could use Baskett on special teams this Sunday.— hobbit
Comment removed.- I have questioned all kinds of moves.. but why make room for Vick now that we have Garcia back? Cutting Hank for what?? Plenty of others out there who should have been cut before Hank. Hope the team brings him back asap!!— PhillyzkidSC
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- Reggie Brown must carry a huge cap hit. Baskett was signed for only one year. This was a financial decision, not purely a football one.— farside37
- Meanwhile, that fat headcase gets his full salary.— The Selector
- That should have been week 3 above ^— joeolive
- Unreal. This organization never stops making bad decisions. Agreed with Wondo40, but Brown is a waste of space at this point,inactive every week. They just refuse to acknowldge that they made a mistake with Brown's contract. And now the Giants will improve with a serviceable WR who knows our system well.— Zee77
- joeolive: there is no week 4, it's the bye, i guess they want him to start against the chiefs? good team to get your feet wet with lol— diesler123
- Why is Reggie Brown still an Eagle?
- Lets face facts..Hank Baskett is an average reciever. With Maclin and Gibson both young super ballplayers that need some playing time, Baskett is not needed. Baskett was hoped to become a red zone threat but never really materialized into that. We have tons of talent at WR so unless you are a personal friend of Hank. dont fret cause the team wont miss a beat with his release..— bradco
- While neither p,layer would make large ripples this year, Hank was, and wwould remain productive on special teams this year. Sorry to see a fine young man go, but it is a business after all, and his number was up.— TBear
- Comment removed.
- Yeah, i agree, Hank has hands of stone, the only thing he's useful for is the fade route and he can't even hold onto the ball there.... Hopefully Reggie's deactivation for last years arizona game lights a fire under him— smithazz
