Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts’ top wide receiver, has suffered a back injury that could sideline him for several games, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Pittman played through the entirety of last Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it is believed that he was hurt during the matchup. The Colts are still evaluating whether to place him on injured reserve, which would keep him out for at least four games. This injury adds to the team’s growing list of issues with key players.
The Colts are dealing with a spate of injuries across the roster, which is affecting multiple positions. Along with Pittman, fellow wide receiver Josh Downs is also injured, dealing with a toe issue that caused him to miss practice on Wednesday. These absences create uncertainty in the Colts’ receiving corps and force the team to look for replacements as they try to manage without their top pass-catchers.
Pittman has been a crucial part of the Colts’ offense, recording 22 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown in five games this season. Over the past three seasons, he has emerged as a reliable playmaker, accumulating over 3,000 receiving yards, which earned him a three-year, $70 million contract extension in March. His injury creates a significant void in the Colts’ offensive production, particularly as they aim to stay competitive in the passing game.
In Pittman’s absence, Alec Pierce, a third-year player, is expected to take on a larger role. Pierce has been effective as a deep threat this season, leading the NFL with an average of 28.3 yards per reception. However, he may now need to run a more diverse set of routes to compensate for the team’s depleted receiving options. Rookie Adonai Mitchell could also see an increase in opportunities, though he has struggled with consistency, managing just six catches on 20 targets this season.
The Colts are already dealing with several other significant injuries to key players. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is recovering from an oblique injury while running back Jonathan Taylor remains out with an ankle issue. Defensive end Kwity Paye has missed games due to a quad injury, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is currently on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. Pittman’s injury only deepens the Colts’ challenges as they face a difficult stretch of games.
