Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is eligible to return to practice at any point as he remains on the injured reserve list, but it still isn’t clear when that will happen.
The veteran wide receiver is still recovering from a procedure on his neck. He’s missed the first four games of the season, and head coach Frank Reich told reporters Monday that Hilton is getting closer, but it still remains to be seen what the timeline looks like.
“Closer, but nothing worth reporting at this point,” Reich said Monday of Hilton’s status.
Before Hilton can officially return, the Colts will designate him to return from the injured reserve list. This kicks off a 21-day window in which Hilton can practice while staying on the reserve list. The Colts must activate him before that 21-day window expires. If they don’t, he reverts back to the reserve list for the rest of the season.
Currently going through that process is rookie quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who was designated to return last week but has yet to be activated.
In Hilton’s absence, Michael Pittman Jr. has led the way in every category except for touchdowns. Pittman Jr. leads the team in targets (36), receptions (23), receiving yards (279) while leading the wide receiver room in snaps played (252).
Reich has been pleased with what he’s gotten out of the wide receiver room in Hilton’s absence.
“I think they’ve performed well. Very happy with the development – each guy has a unique role that he plays,” Reich said. “I think they’ve stepped up in T.Y.’s (Hilton) absence. We miss T.Y. He’s our leader, but I think the guys have stepped up strong.”
It isn’t clear when Hilton will return but as soon as they designate him, he will have 21 days to be activated.
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