Colts Playmaker Is Having a Bounce-Back Year

Michael Pittman Jr. is putting together a bounce-back year with the Indianapolis Colts. Last season, the wide receiver played through a back fracture, which impacted his performance on the field. ESPN’s Stephen Holder wrote about the injury:

“That “little” injury was bad enough that Pittman originally believed he’d have to be placed on injured reserve. But the Colts’ training staff and medical team informed him there was a path to playing with the injury if he could deal with the discomfort. Pittman underwent imaging scans every few weeks to monitor things, and he ultimately missed just one game despite first feeling the effects of the injury in the preseason.”

Playing 16 games in 2024, Pittman caught 69 passes for 808 yards and three touchdowns. So far this season (11 games), he has 59 receptions, 607 yards, and a career-high seven touchdowns.

Pittman is healthy this year, which is a great thing for Indianapolis. He has served as a high-volume red-zone target and has helped the team to an 8-3 record. The Colts will need Pittman as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Michael Pittman Jr. Is Having a Bounce-Back Season with the Indianapolis Colts

His Career Thus Far

Michael Pittman Jr. played college football with the USC Trojans. As a senior, he caught 101 passes for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns. He earned consensus second-team All-American honors that year.

The Colts then drafted Pittman in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. During his rookie year, he had seven receptions for 101 yards in a Thursday night win over the Tennessee Titans. He became the first Colts’ rookie to have 100 receiving yards in a game since Donte Moncrief did so in 2014.

2023 was the best season of Pittman’s career. He caught 109 passes for 1,152 yards that year. For his efforts, the Colts rewarded him with a $70 million contract. However, Pittman’s numbers dropped last season due to the aforementioned back injury.

Pittman leads the Colts in catches and receiving touchdowns this season. Plus, he’s third in receiving yards behind tight end Tyler Warren and fellow wide receiver Alec Pierce.

Pittman was impressive against the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching nine passes for 115 yards. Yet, the Colts lost the game 27-20.

Will Pittman Help the Colts Win the AFC South?

Sleepers Fantasy Football — Nov 24, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) rushes the ball during a game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Colts have made a huge turnaround. They finished last season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs. This season, they’ve reached eight wins and still have six games remaining.

Indianapolis is in first place in the AFC South. However, the team doesn’t have a comfortable lead in the division. The Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4) and Houston Texans (6-5) aren’t far behind.

The Colts haven’t won the AFC South since 2014. Can Michael Pittman Jr. help the team win the division? He must stay healthy and continue to be a dangerous weapon for quarterback Daniel Jones. Pittman, along with Warren, Pierce, and Josh Downs, gives Indy a fantastic pass-catching group. They have been instrumental in Jones reviving his career in Indianapolis this year.

The Colts are coming off a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. But look for them to get back on track and ultimately win the AFC South as Pittman continues to help out.

Main Image: [Nathan Ray Seebeck] – USA TODAY Sports

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