The Indianapolis Colts were without wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and right tackle Braden Smith in Week 7 but there is hope that they will return for the divisional game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 8.

In speaking to reporters Monday, head coach Frank Reich wouldn’t guarantee they will return. However, he did share some optimism that they could progress toward playing in the divisional rematch.

“Not for Sunday yet, but they both made good progress last week. My understanding – again, you know we have the medical meeting coming up in a second, but I don’t think there’s been any setbacks,” Reich told the media. “So, I thought T.Y. (Hilton) was close last week but didn’t make it. Reading between the lines there, I would be very optimistic that he should make it this week. Braden (Smith), I don’t think was quite as far along as T.Y. was but Braden was making good progress. I’d say I’m optimistic on Braden but probably a little less so than T.Y.”

Hilton returned for the first time in Week 6 from the injured reserve list, leading the offense with four receptions for 80 yards. He then suffered a quad injury in the fourth quarter of the game. He failed to practice at all in Week 7 and was inactive due to the injury.

Smith returned to practice for the first time since initially injuring his foot in Week 1 but wasn’t ready to return to playing in Week 7. He has a chance to play against the Titans but it’s likely more of an outside chance than Hilton.

Getting those two back for this divisional would help tip the scales toward balance, but the injury reports will need to be monitored throughout the week to see if they are healthy enough to play.

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