Colts Injury Update: T.Y. Hilton Sits Out Thursday’s Practice

oDec 14, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) walks off the field with his left knee wrapped up after the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Houston 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts’ wideout T.Y. Hilton missed practice on Thursday, as he’s still dealing with a lingering hamstring injury. It was the second consecutive practice that Hilton has missed due to the injury, having also missed practice on Wednesday.

While the MRI results of Hilton’s hamstring came back clean earlier this week, the injury could potentially keep him out of this weekend’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Colts had tentatively expected him to practice today, so the hamstring injury is evidently still bothering Hilton.

With the AFC South clinched and a first round playoff bye realistically out of reach, the Colts may proceed with caution, particularly as it relates to the health of their star 3rd-year wide receiver. It ensures that Hilton will be available for when his team needs him the most in the playoffs.

If Hilton is unable to go, it will be a significant blow to the Colts’ chances of winning on Sunday. He’s been quarterback Andrew Luck‘s most consistent and productive receiving target, as indicated by his 82 receptions for 1,354 yards and 7 touchdowns on the season. The rest of the Colts’ receiving corps has been volatile for much of the season, battling injury and inconsistency.

His loss would come against a Cowboys’ secondary that ranks as the 23rd worst against the pass (249.6 ypg). In his absence, it’s likely that both Donte Moncrief and Hakeem Nicks would assume expanded roles within the offense. Until then, Hilton is officially listed as “questionable”, and Colts’ fans will just have to wait and see for a further injury status update.