Colts rule T.Y. Hilton, Kenny Moore, and Adam Vinatieri OUT for Sunday

On Sunday when the Colts take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will do it without T.Y. Hilton, Kenny Moore, and Adam Vinatieri.

Head coach Frank Reich ruled the players out for the game Friday afternoon, and while Hilton was not really a surprise, Moore and Vinatieri were a bit less certain.

For Vinatieri, this could very well mark the end of his time in the NFL, because if he is unable to return to action, it is nearly inevitable that he would choose to retire. Regardless, there is little reason to think we would see him back in a Colts uniform next season. However frustrating it has been to watch him kick this year, it has been truly great to get to watch another Hall of Famer work in a Colts uniform for so long.

As far as impact players on this game go, missing Kenny Moore will be a big presence to make up for. Not only has Moore been one of the most consistently good tacklers on the team, but he has also been a constant presence when they need a big play in a critical situation. Additionally, his unique pass rush ability made him a weapon that would have been useful against a defense that is giving up a lot of sacks.

Khari Willis and Rock Ya-Sin will need to step up in a big way in this game, and they’ll need big days from Pierre Desir and Malik Hooker as well. If they don’t get those things, this is a team that can certainly put up points in the passing game.

Not having Hilton on the field means that they aren’t likely to be able to respond in kind if they aren’t able to prevent big plays on defense, but the news isn’t all bad. Rookie WR Parris Campbell should be back in action, as well as Marlon Mack.

With those two on the field, there is certainly the athletic potential for a big play at any time. All the Colts have to do is turn that potential into reality. Based on what they’ve done so far this year, that will be easier said than done, but it certainly isn’t impossible.