Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is “expected” to be active on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr., who is dealing with a painful back injury that appeared earlier in the week poised to keep him out for several weeks… is expected to be active today, source said.
An amazing turnaround and good news for Indy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2024
Pittman was listed as questionable on the injury with a back injury, one that Rapoport called “painful.”
The fact that Pittman is playing is quite a surprise, given the report earlier in the week. After missing practice on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pittman could miss “multiple” weeks with this back injury and that injured reserve was even a possibility.
Pittman, however, would return to practice on Friday and as a full participant. He will push through the injury in order to stay on the field.
“I don’t feel nothing on Sundays,” said Pittman on Friday when asked if his back injury would affect him during games.
Over the last two games, Pittman has caught 11 passes on 16 targets for 150 yards. This includes a 32 yard reception and a 28 yard reception on passes from Anthony Richardson in Week 4 against Pittsburgh.
On the year, Pittman has caught 22-of-33 passes for 238 yards with a score.
“He’s one of the toughest guys,” said head coach Shane Steichen.
This week, the Colts face a Titans’ pass defense that has been one of the stingiest in football, allowing just 5.0 yards per pass attempt and being one of the best at eliminating explosive plays.