Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. might be headed to the injured list with a back issue.
Pittman has gotten off to a disappointing start to his 2024 campaign, and now we might know why. The 27-year-old popped up on Indianapolis' Week 3 practice report with a back injury but shook off any designation in Weeks 4 and 5.
When the Colts posted their first practice report for Week 6, Pittman was listed as a "DNP" with the same back injury.
For more on the severity of Pittman's back problem, The Sporting News has you covered below.
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Michael Pittman Jr. back injury update
Pittman is dealing with a back injury "that is now expected to sideline him multiple weeks," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday, also noting: "Injured reserve is an option."
Colts WR Michael Pittman is dealing with a back injury that is now expected to sideline him multiple weeks, per sources. Injured reserve is an option. pic.twitter.com/jAXyyJdD7Q
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2024
Pittman hasn't looked like himself this season. The 2020 second-round pick was coming off the best campaign of his career, as he tallied 109 receptions for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
With franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson returning to full strength for the start of the 2024 season, the expectation was that Pittman would be even better.
The 2024 season has been quite the opposite, as the star receiver has tallied just 22 receptions for 238 yards and one touchdown through the first five games. His slow start was raising questions as to what was holding him back, and now we have an answer.
Check back for updates on Pittman's back injury — or possible IR stint — as they become available.
Colts WR depth chart
| Position | Starter | Backup |
| WR | Michael Pittman Jr. (Inj.) | Ashton Dulin |
| WR | Josh Downs | Anthony Gould |
| WR | Alec Pierce | Adonai Mitchell |
Alec Pierce
With Pittman out indefinitely, look for Pierce to step into his role as the Colts' go-to downfield threat.
Even if Pierce didn't officially supplant Pittman on Indianapolis' depth chart, he was already the team's leader in receiving yards (368) and touchdown receptions (3) through five games.
Pierce's breakaway speed and leaping athleticism have become a weapon for the Colts' passing game and he'll only thrive more with Pittman out of the lineup.
Josh Downs
Downs will also be a beneficiary of the targets left behind from Pittman's absence.
The 5-9 speedster has already made a loud impact in the slot since returning from an ankle injury to start the season. He quickly developed a rapport with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, hauling in 20 receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown over three games.
Downs' 26 targets lead the Colts in that span and it's safe to assume he'll continue to see more action as a pass-catcher moving forward.
Adonai Mitchell
Rookie receiver Mitchell hasn't had the immediate impact that some expected but he's about to see an increased opportunity now.
The 2024 second-round pick out of Texas only has six receptions for 70 yards over his first five games but he'll slide up another spot on the depth chart with Pittman out. He's worth a flier in deeper fantasy leagues.
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Michael Pittman Jr. fantasy outlook
Pittman's up-and-down season was already holding back fantasy teams, and now he appears destined for an IR stint.
Pittman owners should immediately look to Downs and Pierce in free agency, who are only owned in 44.4% and 17.9% of ESPN leagues, respectively.
Downs is a quick, route-running slot receiver who has racked up targets since returning from an ankle injury in Week 3. Pierce has already been one of Richardson and Flacco's downfield targets, capable of putting an entire game's worth of fantasy points in one big chunk play.
Head to your waiver wire and look to add either one of those pass-catchers immediately.
