T.Y. Hilton's anticipated return to the Colts' offense didn't last long. A week after making his 2021 debut following a five-game absence due to neck surgery, the veteran wide receiver has been ruled out for Sunday night's Week 7 game against the 49ers thanks to a quad injury. Hilton, 31, who admitted he contemplated retirement after undergoing surgery in September, was originally listed as questionable for "Sunday Night Football" but didn't practice all week.
Hilton's return to the lineup was noticeable against the Texans in Week 6, with the former Pro Bowler hauling in four passes for 80 yards as part of a 31-3 win. But he exited after playing just 50% of the offensive snaps due to quad pain, leaving Michael Pittman Jr., Zach Pascal and tight end Mo Alie-Cox as Carson Wentz's top targets. Ashton Dulin and Mike Strachan figure to see more snaps out wide with Hilton sidelined against San Francisco.
Injuries have plagued Hilton for the better part of three years now. From 2013-2018, he topped 1,000 receiving yards five different times, producing as one of the NFL's top wideouts. Since then, he's missed 12 games, including six in 2019 due to a calf injury.
Against the 49ers, the Colts will also be without wide receiver Parris Campbell, who could miss the remainder of the 2021 season after suffering a foot injury. They are, however, expected to have starting guard Quenton Nelson back from injured reserve.
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