Injuries continue to ravage the Colts locker room.
With five starters already on injured reserve, WR Michael Pittman Jr. could become No. 6. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Pittman is dealing with a back injury which is expected to force him to miss multiple weeks. A decision on a trip to injured reserve is yet to come, but it remains on the table.
Pittman has already gotten off to an unusually slow start to the 2024 season, despite inking a three-year, $70 million contract this offseason. Upon signing, he expressed his satisfaction with being retained by the team which drafted him back in 2020.
“It’s fulfilling to know that you are the guy that they drafted you to be,” he said back in March.
In the early parts of 2024, Pittman has not been the same guy the Colts drafted. His stats through the first five games are the worst they’ve been since his rookie season: 22 receptions (37 targets), 238 yards and one touchdown.
As a result, the Colts also hold their worst record in that time at 2-3.
Not only will this new injury compound Pittman’s own frustration with his decreased production, but it takes one of Indy’s offensive leaders out of the picture. Pittman, a first-time captain, not only paves the way as a catch machine, but he’s an emotional leader in the Colts’ locker room.
“The one thing you never have to worry about with that guy is that he empties the tank,” general manager Chris Ballard said in February, weeks before finalizing Pittman’s new deal. “He cares about winning.”
The Colts will have to figure out a way to win with Pittman sidelined for the next few games. And they have the depth to make it work.
Opposite to Pittman, Alec Pierce is off to the best start in his three-year career, leading the league in yards per reception (28.3) as the Colts deep threat. Josh Downs is starting to take a step forward in his second year, settling in as the clear No. 2 option.
The biggest opportunity created by Pittman’s absence, however, is for rookie AD Mitchell. In a crowded receiver room, Mitchell has yet to establish himself as a reliable option, recording just six catches despite 20 targets. He’ll undoubtedly see a jump in opportunities, it’s up to him to capitalize.
The door is open for all three guys to step up. Time will tell who can be the safety blanket for an offense missing such a steady presence like Pittman.
