Colts WR T.Y. Hilton leaning toward return in 2022
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton may not know where he will be playing in 2022, but it appears he’s leaning toward furthering his career.
Though an official decision hasn’t been made yet, general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday that Hilton signaled he wanted to return to playing rather than retiring when the two spoke a few weeks ago.
“I had a good talk with T.Y. after the season. As of a couple weeks ago, yes he wanted to play again. We will talk again,” Ballard said at the NFL combine. “T.Y. can still play. I want to make that – unfortunately he got hurt for half the season, but T.Y. can still play.”
Hilton was supposed to be a big part of the offense in 2021 with new quarterback Carson Wentz. However, a nerve injury in his neck kept him from the field for the first five weeks of the season.
After returning in Week 6 against the Houston Texans, Hilton suffered a quad injury while catching a pass in the fourth quarter. He also suffered a concussion in Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans.
Suffice it to say, Hilton’s 2021 season was littered with injuries. After contemplating retirement, Hilton is set to be a free agent on March 16.
Whether he will return to the Colts for another season remains to be seen. The Colts need all the help they can get in the wide receiver room despite Chris Ballard’s love for the players currently making up the group.
Hilton posted 23 receptions for 331 yards and three touchdowns. His 14.1 yards per reception mark suggests he can still be a viable option in the passing game even if his role is reduced to being more of a complementary receiver.
The Colts are still waiting on the decision of tight end Jack Doyle, who is also considering retirement. That decision may sway Hilton one way or another.
We’ll see what happens with Hilton’s return and whether the Colts bring him back for another go-round. But it appears, for now, the Ghost is gearing up for another season.
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