The Colts could be without receiver T.Y. Hilton to begin the regular season.
The veteran wideout is undergoing an evaluation for a neck injury that’s expected to keep him out for at least a few weeks, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, per sources familiar with the situation.
A firm timeline on Hilton's recovery is expected in the coming days.
Colts coach Frank Reich told reporters Hilton is dealing with a disc issue and that, while he'll miss some games, the team is optimistic the injury is not season-ending. Reich added Hilton first experienced discomfort on Indy's trip to Detroit before Friday's game.
Hilton did not appear in any of Indy's three preseason contests. Entering Sunday, the Colts are one of the five teams that have gone undefeated in the preseason.
Losing Hilton is yet another blow to an offense that is currently dealing with injuries to quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Sam Ehlinger, who suffered a sprained ACL on Saturday, as well as All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson.
Reich said Sunday, however, that he expects Wentz (foot) to be back in full-team periods and Nelson to come off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday.
In addition, Reich named Jacob Eason the Colts' backup quarterback, given Ehlinger's injury and Eason's preseason performance.
"Jacob has earned that spot," Reich said. "I think he’s done a nice job. Really happy with his progress and happy for him. Jacob’s handled himself like a pro."