The Indianapolis Colts won't have their star receiver on Sunday night, but an All-Pro guard is set for his return.
T.Y. Hilton (quad) has been downgraded to out versus the San Francisco 49ers while Quenton Nelson has been activated from injured reserve, the team announced Saturday.
Hilton was originally listed as questionable against San Francisco, but is now set to miss his sixth game of the season through Week 7. Nelson is set for a return after a three-game absence while on IR with a high-ankle sprain.
While the Colts have grown accustomed to Hilton's absence so far this season, the veteran wideout's latest ailment comes on the same week WR Parris Campbell underwent surgery on a foot injury which likely knocks him out for the season. The Colts thin WR corps will rely on young Ashton Dulin and Mike Strachan behind Michael Pittman and Zach Pascal. The team elevated WR Keke Coutee from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game as well.
Nelson's presence is a welcomed sight for an offensive line that has dealt with a series of injuries. Despite several absences and reshufflings, the Colts O-line has improved the past three weeks. Keeping Carson Wentz on his feet and providing lanes for running back Jonathan Taylor has allowed the Colts to average 29.2 points per game since Week 4. Nelson should only improve Indy's offense going forward.
The Colts (2-4) have won two of their last three games entering Sunday night and face a 49ers team dealing with plenty of injuries of their own despite Jimmy Garoppolo's return.
In other Colts roster news, safety Julian Blackmon was placed on season-ending IR after suffering a torn Achilles. The Colts also elevated safety Josh Jones from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday night's game.
