The Indianapolis Colts' defense suffered a huge blow after their Week 3 victory over the Tennessee Titans when Kenny Moore ended up injured. Moore is one of the best cornerbacks in the league right now, which was on full display before he was injured.
He started off the game with an almost-immediate pick six, and before he left the game, had amassed two tackles, a pass breakup, and a defensive touchdown. But then he got hurt.
Right away, it was clear that Moore would miss a few weeks, so the Colts took action. Mike Hilton, who has previously played under Lou Anarumo, was signed to replace him, and he will be a good fit for Anarumo's scheme. But he also isn't a long-term answer for the Colts' defense, which initially didn't seem to be much of a problem.
Indianapolis Colts' Kenny Moore's injury is much worse than initially expected
Moore was said to have a simple calf injury, but it's now turned out to be significantly worse. Hilton was initially signed just to the practice squad, but there's good reason to suspect he'll be elevated to the active roster sooner rather than later.
When the Colts arrived for practice on Wednesday, Moore was absent. And in media remarks, head coach Shane Steichen gave an update on Moore, who, it turns out, has an Achilles injury.
“As we did a little more research on it, it’s a little more in the Achilles,” Steichen said. “We’ll see how the week goes.”
For the moment, Moore will not be added to injured reserve, but the Colts will be cautious, as preventing an Achilles tear is of the utmost priority.
“With any injury, we rely on the trainers and doctors, I think that’s a big part of it,” Steichen said. “We’ll go through the rehab, run him and work him out and stuff, then rely on him and the trainers and the doctors.”
Hilton told reporters today that he thinks he will be playing on Sunday, though Steichen didn't mention him; instead, he pointed to Mekhi Blackmon, whom the Colts acquired from the Vikings. But Blackmon has taken most of his snaps on the outside. Steichen - and the Colts - seemingly believe he can play the slot well, too.
CB Mike Hilton’s first day in the building after signing with the Colts this week. Says he could “definitely“ play this weekend if called upon. pic.twitter.com/cLGWeGN1gX
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 24, 2025
Either way, though, Blackmon is no Kenny Moore. According to Pro Football Reference, he has given up six catches in seven attempts for 63 yards so far, which is nowhere near what Moore is capable of.
Ultimately, this could end up being a major blow to the Colts' defense, and it couldn't have come at a worse time. The Colts are about to face one of their first real tests of the season as they take on the Rams, and they'll be doing so without one of their top playmakers on defense.
Hilton would seemingly be a better replacement for Moore than Blackmon would be, but regardless of who starts, it seems unlikely that they can fill Moore's shoes.