The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to return from their summer break on July 28 for training camp, barring any changes. We will be previewing the majority of the roster as the summer progresses.
Name: T.Y. Hilton
Position: WR
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 183
Age: 30
Free Agent Year: 2021
Background
Hilton has been one of the most underrated wide receivers in the NFL since he entered the league as a third-round pick during the 2012 draft. He is a constant thorn in the sides of opposing defenses and still has the ability to take the top of any unit he lines up across from.
While Hilton has been the main source for the passing attack, he has also dealt with his share of injuries in recent seasons. He has played through most of them, like in 2018, but the 2019 campaign saw him play in just 10 games. The Ghost is hoping to prove he can stay healthy in a contract year in order to get one final deal with the Colts.
Expected Role
As long as he’s healthy, Hilton is the unquestioned WR1 on the offense. The passing game will continue to flow through him when he’s on the field. Though he’s getting up there in age and has been dealing with injuries, Hilton can still ball when he has a sufficient quarterback. With Philip Rivers arriving in town, all Hilton has to do is stay healthy.
2020 Outlook
The biggest question mark, as we have hit multiple times already, is health. Hilton just needs to stay healthy. If he can do that, he’s in line for a monster season. The WR1 for Rivers is typically among the leaders in receiving yards. Just ask Keenan Allen, who has benefitted greatly from a healthy target share thanks to Rivers.
Hilton being the WR1 and holding a very similar role to that of Allen, the former should have no trouble going over 1,000 yards and his typical five or six touchdowns. Defenses will still roll their coverage toward Hilton, but they might not be able to do so as often with the arrival of rookie Michael Pittman Jr. and the potential emergence of Parris Campbell in the slot.
Again, as long as he stays healthy, Hilton will be the leader in the wide receiver room and potentially one of the leaders in the league in terms of receiving yards.
Bottom Line
Hilton will arrive for training camp looking to stay healthy in a prove-it year. The Ghost has already earned a spot in the organization’s Ring of Honor whenever he retires. Now, he just needs to make sure he can end his career on a high note over the next few seasons. That starts with staying healthy and letting his game do the work in 2020.