The Colts came into Thursday night's game knowing that they would be without Andrew Luck. Then came an in-game injury to center Ryan Kelly (shoulder). Then an in-game injury to Vontae Davis (groin).
The T.Y. Hilton in-game injury though? That was just unfair.
Hilton suffered a lower back injury during the second quarter of the Colts' 28-7 loss after a hard collision with Steelers safety Mike Mitchell. Hilton had two catches for 50 yards on the night, with most coming on that 32-yard grab. He returned in the third quarter briefly before the team officially sidelined the veteran for the rest of the night.
After the game, Colts coach Chuck Pagano described Hilton's injury as a contusion.
Beyond the obvious -- Hilton is a good player and the Colts could use every able body they can get right now -- the wide receiver's absence was felt especially hard against Pittsburgh. Sensing the rust on Colts backup Scott Tolzien, the Steelers were not shy about bringing five or six rushers on nearly every play in the first half.
Tolzien was navigating the waters surprisingly well and nearly had a touchdown to Hilton earlier in the half when he broke free of Steelers defensive back Ross Cockrell. Tolzien finished the first half with 84 yards and a score. He finished the night connecting on 22 of 36 passes for 205 yards.