T.Y. Hilton returned to the practice field Saturday and is officially questionable for Monday night's contest versus the New York Jets.
Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano said he's optimistic that Hilton will play this week.
"He looked good. Still got two days," Pagano said of his star receiver, via Indy Sports Central's Mike Chappell.
It was the first practice of the week for the Colts' No. 1 receiver after leaving a Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter with a bruised knee. Despite the early exit, Hilton led Indy with seven receptions for 88 yards on 14 targets.
"Depends on how my knee reacts tomorrow." said Hilton, via the Indy Star. "It's a great thing we play Monday."
Getting an extra day of rest should help Hilton's availability Monday night. If Hilton isn't full-go, Andrew Luck will rely on Donte Moncrief and rookie Phillip Dorsett to fill his shoes alongside veteran Andre Johnson.
Facing a Jets secondary with Darrelle Revis and Buster Skrine, the Colts need Hilton to be in full form to avoid an 0-2 start for the second straight season.
Pagano also announced that pass rusher Robert Mathis is questionable as he tries to make his return to the field. Mathis missed all of 2014 with a torn Achilles. The Colts compiled zero sacks and zero turnovers in Week 1. Getting Mathis back in any form should immediately improve Indy's limp pass rush.
Cornerbacks Greg Toler (neck) and Darius Butler (hip) were both ruled out, which is good news for Jets wideouts Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.
Here are other injuries we're keeping track of on Saturday:
- Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly will miss the first game of his career on Sunday against the Texans. Kuechly sustained a concussion in the season opener.
- The Jets, like their Monday night opponent, have the injury bug. Antonio Cromartie, who was carted off the field during Week 1, is questionable with a knee injury.
Running back Chris Ivory had a big season opener, but is listed as questionable with a groin injury. Coach Todd Bowles said on Friday that Ivory "would be fine for Monday."
- Jets wide receiver Devin Smith (ribs) is probable for Sunday. The rookie missed the opener.
Linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (concussion) and quarterback Geno Smith (jaw) are out versus the Colts.
- Ravens starting left tackle Eugene Monroe (concussion) has been ruled out of Baltimore's game against the Raiders.
- Saints running back C.J. Spiller (knee) is expected to make his debut against the Buccaneers, sources tell NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
- Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery (hamstring, calf) will miss the game against the Cardinals, a source told Rapoport.
- Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) will return to the field for the Saints game, a source tells Rapoport.
