'A Gifted Man' adds 'ER' veteran Eriq La Salle

CBS' new drama "A Gifted Man" is bringing in a veteran TV doctor for a consultation.

Eriq La Salle, who starred on "ER" for eight seasons (and is a three-time Emmy nominee for playing Dr. Peter Benton), will recur on the show as a character named Dr. Evan Morrison, CBS says. "A Gifted Man" stars Patrick Wilson as a neurosurgeon whose late ex-wife (Jennifer Ehle) starts appearing to him, urging him to open up his world.

La Salle's character is a neuropsychiatrist "who is also a great medical detective, focusing on the nuances of human behavior," the network says. We'd venture a guess that he consults with Wilson's Dr. Michael Holt, who can't figure out why the ghost of his ex-wife is suddenly talking to him.

The role will be a reunion for La Salle and "A Gifted Man" showrunner Neal Baer, who worked on "ER" for several seasons. "I'm thrilled to be working again with Eriq La Salle," Baer says. "I have very fond memories of our time together on 'ER' and look forward to having Eriq portray another unforgettable character on 'A Gifted Man.'"

La Salle's recent on-screen credits include guest roles on "Covert Affairs" and "24." He's also directed episodes of "CSI: NY," "Law & Order" and "ER" in the past few years.

"A Gifted Man" premieres Friday, Sept. 23 on CBS.