While it would seem the Houston Texans are going to get a break Thursday night with Indianapolis Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton questionable with a calf injury, defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel isn’t falling for it.
Even before Hilton was given the questionable designation, which came after a full practice on Wednesday, Crennel told reporters Tuesday that he expected the four-time Pro Bowler to play.
“Yes, he’s going to play,” Crennel said. “He’s probably counting on it, and I’m — well not necessarily counting on it or looking forward to it, but you’ve got to prepare for him to play because he’ll show up.”
Hilton has a reputation for being a Texans killer. The former 2012 third-round pick from Florida International was anything but that the Week 7 encounter as he produced just six catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in the 30-23 win at Lucas Oil Stadium. Hilton failed to stack his third consecutive game against Houston with at least 100 yards receiving, which he chalked up to a bad game and not the Texans defense doing anything to stop him.
“He’s a tremendous playmaker and we’ve played him several years, and he’s made plays,” Crennel said. “So, if he is not able to play, some of those big plays that get made, maybe they’re not there to be made. So, that would be the benefit.”
The Texans will get some help with wideout Parris Campbell declared out for the game with a hand injury. Houston will have to make their pass defense more formidable against Indianapolis as they allowed quarterback Jacoby Brissett to throw four touchdown passes against them and take one sack. That with defensive end J.J. Watt in the lineup, now done for the year with a torn pectoral.
Hilton or not, the Texans have to find a way to impact the Colts’ passing game.