Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will be missing the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills due to a lingering back injury, as confirmed by Colts coach Shane Steichen. Pittman was unable to practice throughout the week and has been dealing with this injury that almost led to him being placed on injured reserve.
Coach Steichen praised Pittman for his tough mentality and stated that the team is taking his situation week by week. Although there have been discussions about the possibility of placing Pittman on injured reserve, the Colts have not made that decision yet. Pittman, who has only missed five games in his NFL career, has been noticeably affected by his injury, recording only two catches on 10 targets for 30 yards in the last two games. This season, he has accumulated 366 receiving yards, which is his lowest performance through the first nine games of any season in his career.
In Pittman’s absence, quarterback Joe Flacco and the Colts offense will rely more on starters Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. Pierce leads the team in receiving yards with 435 yards on 19 receptions and three touchdowns, while Downs has scored three touchdowns as well and leads the team with 38 catches for 411 yards.
Rookie AD Mitchell is expected to see more playing time against the Bills. Despite a quiet season with only 12 catches for 140 yards, Mitchell made a notable 22-yard catch in the last game that impressed Colts wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne. Mitchell is eager to continue developing and gaining confidence as a professional player.
Additionally, coach Steichen revealed that starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann, who missed the previous game due to a concussion, has cleared concussion protocol and will be back in action against the Bills. Rookie center Tanor Bortolini will also be starting in place of Ryan Kelly, who was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. Bortolini has previously filled in for Kelly and performed well, expressing his excitement to be back on the field.
As the Colts prepare to face the Bills without Pittman, they are counting on their remaining receivers to step up and deliver on the field. The team’s depth will be tested, and the upcoming game will provide an opportunity for young players like AD Mitchell and Tanor Bortolini to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success.
