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San Francisco 49ers: Rashard Robinson to face big test vs. Colts’ T.Y. Hilton

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 24: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 24: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson has struggled over four weeks this season, and his life won’t get much easier going up against Indianapolis Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton in Week 5.

Four weeks of regular-season action have proved San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson isn’t living up to the same level of play he enjoyed his rookie season a year ago.

With a Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts looming, Robinson currently owns a 36.5 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. That ranks No. 105 out of 109 qualifiers.

And yet the Niners, lacking experience and/or adequate depth, don’t have any other options over Robinson.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

The second-year defensive back’s life won’t get any easier this week either, as he’ll frequently be matched up opposite Colts’ No. 1 wide receiver T.Y. Hilton.

Granted, the Colts passing offense isn’t anywhere near what it could be with Pro Bowl quarterback Andrew Luck (shoulder) on the mend. With backup QB Jacoby Brissett slated to start, the Niners get to face an offense ranking dead last in points scored (71) and 30th in total yardage (1,063).

Regardless, Hilton is an X-factor for Indianapolis’ offense. And one should expect Brissett to go after Robinson early and often in this matchup.

Why?

Aside from the teams-have-been-targeting-Robinson-a-lot-already argument, Hilton’s physical stature (5-foot-10 and 183 pounds) is awfully similar to that of Kansas City Chiefs wideout Tyreek Hill (5-foot-10, 185 pounds).

Remember Hill burning Robinson in Week 1 of the preseason?

Robinson’s inability to press Hill at the line of scrimmage opened up Hill’s ability to use his speed to easily get around the cornerback.

SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 01: Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a 41 yard pass over Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 01: Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a 41 yard pass over Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Hilton presents a similar ability.

And it isn’t as if Robinson can hand off duties to nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams, whose 5-foot-9 frame could make for a good enough matchup.

The Colts now typically use Hilton at the No. 1 receiver spot, electing to place fellow receiver Kamar Aiken out of the slot, per PFF.

While San Francisco’s up-front defense might be able to take advantage of a questionable Indy offensive line — as we broke down earlier here — Hilton is going to remain a top target for Brissett and the Colts passing offense.

Next: 49ers vs. Colts: 5 key storylines for San Francisco

That means more targets on Robinson and yet another test to see if the first quarter of 2017 was more anomaly than reality.