INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have had their fair share of injuries the past couple weeks, yet slowly, but surely, some of their key players are working their way back.
On Wednesday, the team saw All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard practice for the first time in two weeks as he works his way through the league's concussion protocol.
And then today the team saw the return of top wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who missed last Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders with a quad injury.
Both Leonard and Hilton were limited participants on Thursday, but their presence is a good sign nonetheless for a Colts team preparing for Sunday's primetime contest on the road against the 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs.
Hilton had told reporters on Wednesday that he was "feeling good," but when pressed about his availability against the Chiefs, he said it was up to the coaches.
Another factor surrounding Hilton's potential return is the Colts' bye week, which follows Sunday's game against the Chiefs. Head coach Frank Reich said Wednesday the team was weighing the pros and cons associated with Hilton playing Sunday vs. getting two more weeks of rest.
"It's always a factor, but every game is so critical," Reich said. "Obviously this game is really important to us so we'll weigh all of that as we go."
Those who remained out Thursday for the Colts included wide receiver Parris Campbell (abdominal), safety Clayton Geathers (concussion) and running back Marlon Mack (ankle).
Houston's intel
Justin Houston racked up 78.5 sacks in the first eight seasons of his career with the Chiefs before being released by the team this offseason.
Accordingly, No. 99 has been a popular figure in defensive meetings this week as they prepare for reigning league Most Valuable Player Patrick Mahomes and the potent Kansas City offense.
"They ask questions," Houston said today. "They definitely are a different unit over there now that a lot of the same guys that were normally there (are gone). The offense has switched up so it's kind of new to us. But the defense definitely has been asking me a lot of questions about the guys."
The Chiefs have kept their record-setting momentum from last year going through four games this year; they rank first in the NFL in points scored, passing yards, fewest interceptions and are second in total yards, first downs and passing touchdowns.
Mahomes, of course, is leading the charge. The 24-year-old has completed 106-of-156 of his passes (67.9 percent) for 1,510 yards with 10 touchdowns to zero interceptions for a rating of 120.4.
After practicing against Mahomes every day the last couple years, Houston said it's been impressive to take a step back and try to implement a gameplan to stop him.
"He's a special guy. He's one of a kind," Houston said. "He's Pat Mahomes, the throws he makes – he can make every throw, he can see everything (and) he has eyes in the back of his head. He's a great quarterback."
Houston, for his part, says he's not thinking much about returning to his former home — it is a business trip, after all. But his former head coach with the Chiefs, Andy Reid, was singing Houston's praises on a conference call with the Indianapolis media this week.
"He's one of the best players I've ever had an opportunity to coach and he's a great guy," Reid said. "He was one of my leaders here and he was a leader here before I got here. It'll be different. I've been watching tape on him, so it's different seeing him in that uniform, but it's the same player. He plays his heart out and he's a tough kid. Great player though."
Injury report
Here's the full injury report from Thursday's practice:
» DNP: WR Parris Campbell (abdominal); S Clayton Geathers (concussion); S Malik Hooker (knee); DT/DE Tyquan Lewis (ankle); RB Marlon Mack (ankle); DE Jabaal Sheard (not injury related; rest)
» Limited: WR T.Y. Hilton (quad); LB Darius Leonard (concussion); CB Rock Ya-Sin (hip)
» Full: N/A
