Injury Report: Hilton, Geathers return to practice; Doyle, Grant sit out once again

If Wednesday was any indication of how many critical players will suit up Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, then the fanbase of the Indianapolis Colts needs to breathe a sigh of relief.

T.Y. Hilton, who has missed the last several games due to hamstring and chest injuries, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice session.

The Pro Bowl wide receiver suffered the chest injury during the Colts’ matchup against the Houston Texans back during Week 4. Although the injury was deemed serious at the time, Hilton returned to finish the game. His return to the game proved costly, as the Hilton suffered a hamstring injury that would keep him out against the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

Hilton was happy to be back on the practice field. But not just for himself, though. He’s happy to be back out there for the rest of his teammates.

“The guys need me,” HIlton said to reporters following Wednesday’s practice. “So I’m here for them.”

Hilton, who is Andrew Luck’s No. 1 target, was asked after practice if he was feeling pressure to push himself back on the field quickly. His absence has been felt, as the Colts have endured at least five drops in the last three games and have lost four straight games.

“I’ve gotta make sure I’m healthy,” Hilton said when asked if he felt pressure to get back out onto the field. “I don’t wanna go out there and hurt myself. So, for me, I’ll give it a test today. We’re in a must-win game, so I’ve gotta be out there.”

Hilton mentioned afterwards that, while he hasn’t felt pressure to get back on the field before he’s fully healthy, he has been itching to get back into action.

“Just watching it on TV not being there with them, you know, it hurts me. It hurts me a lot,” Hilton said. “In seven years I’ve only missed two (games), now it’s two more. So I just hate it. I hate watching. I know they need me, so I did everything I can to get back and I’ll test it out today and see what’s up.”

The other surprise participant on the day was safety Clayton Geathers. The former UCF star suffered a neck and head injury against the Patriots and missed the Colts’ matchup against the Jets. While it may be likely Geathers could miss against the Bills, Mike Mitchell will be on-hand just in case.

DNP: DT/DE Denico Autry (hamstring); TE Jack Doyle (hip); WR Ryan Grant (ankle); CB Arthur Maulet (hip); RB Robert Turbin (shoulder)

Full: S Clayton Geathers (concussion/neck); T/G Denzelle Good (not injury related); WR T.Y. Hilton (chest/hamstring); DT Margus Hunt (knee)