Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been dealing with a back injury since September. Following a Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, there was speculation that Pittman could land on injured reserve due to his back injury.
However, Pittman decided to play through the injury, and he suited up against the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. What is the latest on Pittman’s injury, and will he play in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins?
The Latest on Michael Pittman Jr.’s Injury
There were multiple reports that Pittman was going to miss multiple weeks due to his back injury, including rumblings that he was an IR candidate.
However, Pittman didn’t even miss a game. He played through his injury against the Titans and looked good, helping the Colts earn a much-needed win to improve to 3-3.
#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. has missed five games in five years. He signed a $70 million deal.
He has the respect. He has the money.
So, why still play with a bad back?
“It’s just a commitment to my teammates. … If I can walk, there’s a good chance that I’m gonna play.” pic.twitter.com/MLGRuby0dU
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid)
While Pittman did not practice on Wednesday, he was a full participant on Thursday. On Friday, head coach Shane Steichen declared that Pittman will play on Sunday.
#Colts HC Shane Steichen says WR Michael Pittman Jr. (back) will play Sunday against the #Dolphins.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid)
Keep an eye on Indy’s injury report for an official designation, but it appears fantasy managers will have Pittman as an option again vs. the Dolphins.
Despite his back injury, Pittman has hauled in a touchdown in back-to-back games, with backup QB Joe Flacco filling in admirably for Anthony Richardson. However, Steichen also declared on Friday that Richardson will return to the starting lineup this week. What does this mean for Pittman?
Pittman’s Fantasy Outlook
With basketball season nearly upon us, it was good to see the 6’4” Pittman box out the defense and pull down what was essentially a fadeaway jumper from Flacco last week. The score saved Pittman from an otherwise underwhelming day at the office (3-35-1) against a stingy Titans defense.
That’s now three straight top-30 performances from Indianapolis’ WR1 after opening the season with three games outside of the top 50, a level of production that essentially mirrors Richardson’s status.
Now, it should be noted that the Richardson-Pittman tandem showed signs of life in Week 4 before injury, but there’s no denying that Pittman’s skill set matches better with the crafty Flacco under center.
Only once this season has a receiver cleared 14.7 PPR points against the Dolphins (DK Metcalf in Week 3), and I’m not expecting Pittman to add to that list with Richardson starting under center again.
Normally the starting quarterback returning is a boon to a receiver’s fantasy value, but the Colts are a unique situation. Pittman is a Flex option who carries more risk than he has in years past.
