Darrius Heyward-Bey practices today for Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (81) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts starting wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey is now a key member of this Colts offense due to Reggie Wayne’s ACL tear, which was the latest brutal, season-ending injury for the Colts. They have already lost Dwayne Allen, Donald Thomas, Vick Ballard, and Ahmad Bradshaw for the season, but Wayne was the biggest  blow yet. Heyward-Bey and the explosive T.Y. Hilton are now the Colts starting wideouts, and it will be interesting to see what kind of numbers Heyward-Bey can put up as a starter now.

He suffered a hamstring injury during yesterday’s practice, which led to some minor concerns since losing a starting player at a thin position for a critical divisional matchup would have really hurt. But Colts official site beat writer Kevin Bowen reports that Darrius Heyward-Bey has returned to practice today, which means that he will be a full-go for Sunday night’s game against the Houston Texans.

The Colts are the favorites against the Texans despite their injuries, but that’s the way it should be. The Texans have been  a disappointment this season, whereas the Colts have defeated some top-flight opponents. Wayne’s injury is a huge test for the Colts, but Andrew Luck and the Colts have risen above plenty of tests ever since he was selected out of Stanford. This is a playoff-bound team, and Heyward-Bey could put up some big numbers with Luck at the helm if he can fulfill his own end of the bargain.

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