Colts’ Jacob Eason building rapport with T.Y. Hilton

It has been a quiet camp for Indianapolis Colts veteran wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, but that came to an end during Tuesday’s padded practice at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.

With quarterback Jacob Eason taking the majority of first-team reps as starter Carson Wentz heals up from foot surgery, it has taken a minute for the young passer to develop a rapport with Hilton. However, they took steps in the right direction on Tuesday.

Eason had his best day of camp on Tuesday, which just happened to follow a stellar outing in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. Getting Hilton more involved appeared to be the objective as the Ghost caught five of Eason’s 12 completions during team drills.

“Absolutely. It’s going to take time,” Hilton told reporters Tuesday. “But today was a good start, we’re in the right direction – just continue to build that trust with one another. I know the spots he wants me at, so just continue to build.”

Most are expecting second-year wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to take over as the leader in the room—and for good reason. Pittman Jr. has shown immense strides as the X-receiver in the formation and could be headed toward a breakout year.

But if the Colts can get Hilton playing at a consistent level as solid WR2 working from the Z-receiver position, that would provide a massive boost for Eason’s confidence when dropping back.

That confidence is something Hilton noticed a bit more during Tuesday’s practice after Eason finally got a game under his belt.

“The game he really needed, getting a game under his belt. But he’s just putting in the work, he’s putting in the film, putting in time out here on the field and it’s just showing off. He’s doing great. He’s looking good,” Hilton said of Eason. “Since he took over, just understanding the spots he needs me at. Just watching film, breaking down film – even in walk-thru we’re just talking, communicating. Even after the catches we’re just constantly communicating and that’s what you’re going to need.”

It isn’t clear yet when Wentz will return despite head coach Frank Reich feeling optimistic about his return two weeks after foot surgery.

But if Eason continues to develop confidence and a rapport with his pass-catchers, the offense just might be able to stay afloat enough to keep them in competitive games.