Ken Dilger was a little dazed and awfully confused. Just five minutes into Indianapolis' game with New England two weeks ago, Dilger got whacked in the head.

Through four years of NFL football and countless college and high school games, the Colts tight end and former Illinois standout never had suffered a concussion. Until now.

"It was interesting," Dilger said. "I don't remember walking off the field. I had blurred vision in my left eye. Everything was cloudy."

That sums up the season for Dilger and the 1-8 Colts. They have stumbled through tough times along with rookie quarterback Peyton Manning and new coach Jim Mora.

Dilger returned to action last week, catching his first touchdown of the season in a 27-14 loss to the Dolphins. Catches were rare for Dilger in the first half of the season.

Like last season, when he was saddled with helping rookie Tarik Glenn block, Dilger has become an extra lineman. He hopes that will change.

"Within the last three to four games, the offensive line has protected Peyton really well," Dilger said. "I'm hoping the next (seven) games to get 20-30 receptions."

Dilger has 15 catches for 132 yards, putting him second among tight ends. Dilger didn't know what to expect with the new offense, but he hoped for more than 15 catches.

"Right now, Peyton has his favorites in Marshall (Faulk) and Marvin (Harrison)," Dilger said. "Throwing to the back is pretty safe for Peyton. He's still not confident reading defenses. He's had a slow start, but since then he's had some good games. He's had ups and downs the last two weeks."

After four years, Dilger is one of the veterans of the receiving corps. He helps the younger players, especially rookies such as E.G. Green and Jerome Pathon.

"I just talked to E.G. and Jerome about hitting the rookie wall," Dilger said. "You have to come into the office every day and take care of business. It's like that every day. Their bodies are still getting used to it."

Green, Pathon, Manning and the future in general excites Dilger. After going 9-7 and reaching the AFC Championship game Dilger's rookie year in 1995, the Colts are 4-21 the past two seasons. You have to look ahead, Dilger said.

"Each game is kind of a one-game season for us," Dilger said. "If we can improve individually these next seven games, we're kind of preparing for the future."

Dilger has one year left on his contract, but he plans to be part of that future. He's basically playing in his hometown, and the Ken Dilger Foundation for Children, which he heads along with wife Heidi, is a big success.

"I like the state, and the people treat me nice," Dilger said. "I think this organization is going in a good direction. I'd hate to miss out on the success."

The kids in the "Dilger's Den" section of the RCA Dome would miss him. Dilger's foundation routinely buys tickets for youth football teams and other children's charities.

Dilger, who has no children of his own yet, also hosts an annual charity golf outing and made a donation Riley's Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. Those efforts made Dilger popular with the hometown crowd and are another big factor for wanting to stay.

"Being a part of that is fun," Dilger said. "It's something for the children of Indianapolis."

Ex-Illini of the week.

Brad Hopkins and the rest of the Tennessee Oilers offensive line must be doing something right. They plowed the way for 236 Tennessee rushing yards in last week's 31-22 win over Tampa Bay. The Oilers (5-4) have won four straight, and Eddie George has been over 100 yards in each game. In that span, Tennessee has averaged 185 rushing yards and 32 points a game.

Brian Dietz is a News-Gazette staff writer.