Colts WR T.Y. Hilton out at least three games following surgery

If new Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz will be good to go for the regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12 coming off foot surgery, he will be without a key weapon that Sunday afternoon. 

Per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Colts general manager Chris Ballard told reporters Wednesday that four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is going on the injured reserve list after he underwent a surgical procedure on his neck. While it was reported over the weekend Hilton could miss time because of the setback, NFL rules for the upcoming season state a player on IR must sit for a minimum of three games. 

The Colts host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2 and then play at the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. Hilton could be eligible to return for Indy's Week 4 showdown at the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 3. 

Hilton finished the 2020 campaign with 56 receptions for 762 yards and five touchdowns and was on track to be Wentz's No. 1 target before the injury. Second-year pro Michael Pittman Jr. could become a favorite to emerge as a breakout star for the Colts atop the depth chart at the position in Hilton's absence.