Andrew Luck averaged 387 passing yards in two January playoff games with Griff Whalen as his second-most targeted receiver.
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Now that Reggie Wayne is healthy and Hakeem Nicks is sporting a horseshoe on his helmet, T.Y. Hilton insists the Indianapolis Colts can boast "three No. 1 receivers."
Of the trio, Hilton is the one most likely to earn a Pro Bowl appearance this season.
"He never ceases to amaze us," coach Chuck Pagano said Monday, via the team's official website. "The guy is just a spectacular athlete. The game has obviously slowed down tremendously for T.Y. He knows this thing inside and out now."
Whereas Hilton is just hitting his stride, it remains to be seen if Wayne and Nicks can return to true "No. 1 receiver" form.
Since 2001, just four wide receivers have produced a 1,000-yard receiving season after turning 35. Just five have cleared 70 receptions. Brandon Stokley was the only wide receiver 35 or older to catch a pass during the 2013 season.
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Wayne is going to attempt to join that exclusive fraternity with the added hurdle of returning from ACL surgery. He's expected to make his 2014 preseason debut this week or next.
Of all players with 100 targets in 2013, Nicks was the only one without a touchdown reception. He has to prove that a litany of lower-leg injuries haven't robbed him of the explosiveness exhibited en route to a 7/111/1 average during the 2011 postseason.
Even if Wayne and Nicks fade into the shadows behind Hilton, Luck is much better off this year than last.
The latest Around The League Podcast highlights the winners and losers from the first week of preseason action.
