NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Wesley Woodyard #59 of the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts star wide receiver T.Y. Hilton suffered a quad injury in the team’s Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, which may have been an aggravation of the issue he was dealing with coming into the game.
TY Hilton has been a critical component of the Indianapolis Colts offense over the past handful of years as the team’s clear-cut top receiver. While the presence of an elite tight end duo and a rising rookie playmaker in Parris Campbell have eased the pressure off his shoulders, the Colts still need a healthy Hilton in order to feel good about their chances of making the playoffs again.
That’s why the Colts should be concerned about Hilton’s quad. According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis’s top weapon on offense exited the game with a quad injury and was quickly ruled out of the contest.
Hilton was the Colts leading receiver against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, catching eight passes on ten targets for 65 yards and a touchdown as the primary chain-mover for Jacoby Brissett. He played a critical role in Brissett’s near-perfect first half, as the Colts quarterback continues to show great decision-making chops and accuracy as the team’s leader.
The Colts can only hope that Hilton’s quad injury isn’t significant and that he can return relatively soon. After next week’s battle with the Oakland Raiders, the Colts must take on Patrick Mahomes’ unstoppable Kansas City Chiefs and then the Houston Texans on Oct. 20 after the bye.
With Brissett playing at a high level, the Colts have to love their chances of making it to the postseason for a second straight year. But they do need Hilton by Brissett’s side in order to make a real playoff push. They have solid pieces like Marlon Mack and Eric Ebron, but Hilton is the most consistent source of playmaking and star power at receiver.
Hilton has 20 receptions and four touchdowns in his three appearances so far this season, highlighting his importance to the Colts offense.