Colts’ T.Y. Hilton (calf) expected to play vs. Saints

Ghost is preparing to make his return.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game against the New Orleans Saints but is expected to play despite a lingering calf injury.

Having missed five of the last six games, Hilton’s absence has been greatly missed. As the Colts face official elimination from playoff contention with a loss, the 30-year-old will reportedly suit up for the primetime matchup, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Hilton was trending in the right direction to make his return Monday night despite being questionable. Even with the Colts’ season on the line, head coach Frank Reich only wanted to get Hilton back on the field if he was truly healthy.

“We kind of been down this road before and he wasn’t there. I know it’s T.Y. (Hilton) but we just want to feel good about it,” Reich said to reporters Saturday. “We just want to do the right thing, make sure that he feels right and that we feel like he’s good.”

Hilton has been the MVP of the offense simply because his absence has led to a massive depletion in production for the entire unit. Since initially suffering the calf injury, the Colts have averaged 23 points per game.

On the season (seven games), Hilton has 35 receptions for 378 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 10.8 yards per catch.

The inactives will be released an hour and a half before kickoff on Monday night so that’s when it will be official, but it appears the Ghost is ready to make his return.