HOUSTON — T.Y. Hilton is back, just in time to take on an old nemesis.
The Indianapolis Colts have released their inactives list for tonight's crucial Week 12 matchup against the Houston Texans, and Hilton, the Colts' top wide receiver who has missed the last three games with a calf injury, is expected to play.
Hilton was one of four players initially labeled as questionable heading into tonight's game, and was joined by tight ends Mo Alie-Cox and Eric Ebron and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin; Hilton, Alie-Cox and Ebron are all active, while Ya-Sin is inactive.
Also active for the Colts tonight is top cornerback Pierre Desir, who has missed the last four games with a nagging hamstring injury.
Others who are inactive against the Texans: wide receiver Parris Campbell, defensive tackle Trevon Coley, quarterback Chad Kelly, running back Marlon Mack, cornerback Shakial Taylor and safety Khari Willis.
ACTIVE
» Hilton suffered his calf injury during a non-contact portion of practice on Oct. 30, and has missed the Colts' last three games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars. On Wednesday, Hilton was estimated to be a full participant in the Colts' walkthrough, his first on-field action in three weeks. Hilton hopes to continue his long track record of success against the Texans, as he has averaged more than five receptions for 101.3 yards with 10 touchdowns in 15 regular season games against Houston; he's one of five NFL players in the Super Bowl era to average more than 100 receiving yards per game against a single opponent (minimum 10 games), according to NFL Research. Hilton is even more dominant at NRG Stadium, where he has averaged about six receptions for 133 yards and has scored seven total touchdowns in seven career regular season games.
» Ebron (ankle) first appeared on the injury report on Monday, and he was estimated to be a non-participant in the Colts' first two walkthroughs of the week; he was upgraded to being estimated as a full participant by Wednesday, however. Ebron, also, has enjoyed a great deal of success in his career against the Texans; in five games (four in the regular season and one in the postseason) he has averaged four receptions for 56 yards and has scored four touchdowns; he had a receiving touchdown in all three Colts games against the Texans last season, including Indy's Wild Card win at NRG Stadium, and he had four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Texans back in Week 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
» Alie-Cox suffered a thumb injury last Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars and did not return to the ballgame. He was estimated to be a non-participant in Monday's walkthrough, a limited participant on Tuesday and was a full participant by Wednesday. Alie-Cox this season has five receptions for 49 yards and is a key blocker in the run game.
INACTIVE
» Ya-Sin suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter of last Sunday's Week 11 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars; after initially being labeled questionable to return, he was eventually downgraded to out for the rest of the contest. The 2019 second-round pick was enjoying his best day as a pro against the Jaguars, as he had collected six tackles (one for a loss) and his first-career interception before exiting. Desir is expected to be the starting cornerback tonight in his return, but in the nickel package, with Ya-Sin inactive tonight, Marvell Tell III and Quincy Wilson could see added action on the outside.
