Tag: michael pittman

Even with Michael Pittman back, Colts need to make sure AD Mitchell isn’t forgotten

Even with Michael Pittman back against the Jets, the Indianapolis Colts need to make sure that AD Mitchell isn’t forgotten about.

After missing last week’s game against Buffalo, Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Michael Pittman will be back on the field versus the Jets after a full week of practice.

To state the obvious, that’s great news for the Colts’ passing game that is in need of a boost. However, even with Pittman back in the mix, Shane Steichen can’t forget about AD Mitchell either.

Without Pittman available last week, Mitchell played 60 of the team’s offensive snaps. He then made the most of that opportunity, posting a career day with six receptions for 71 yards. Mitchell also drew a holding penalty in the red zone that extended the drive and eventually resulted in seven points.

Even before this performance, you could tell that Mitchell was trending in the right direction. After catching just two of his first 13 NFL targets to start the season, from Weeks 5-9, Mitchell caught 10-of-15 passes for 108, including three receptions of at least 15 yards.

But up until last week, the playing time wasn’t available for Mitchell. From Week 3 through the Minnesota game in Week 9, he was averaging just over 12 snaps per game, often being out-snapped by Ashton Dulin.

With Pittman returning, no one is expecting Mitchell to out-snap him, Josh Downs or Alec Pierce. However, he needs more opportunities than just 12 snaps.

For one, from a development standpoint, like any young player, Mitchell needs reps, something receivers coach Reggie Wayne pointed out last week. Yes, there may be ups and downs as is the case for many rookies, but the lack of playing time is only elongating Mitchell’s learning curve.

In addition to that, for an offense that needs more juice, Mitchell can provide that. His combination of athleticism and route running ability allows him to create separation from the defenders and make plays at all levels of the field.

With Mitchell on the field, that means one of Pittman, Pierce, or Downs will likely have to come off with how often the Colts use three receiver sets. But having options, regardless of the position is a good thing, now it’s up to Steichen to figure out how to get each player the appropriate amount of playing time.

Colts WR Michael Pittman estimated as full participant in first Week 11 practice

Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman was estimated as a full participant in the team’s first Week 11 practice on Wednesday.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman was estimated as a full participant in the team’s first Week 11 practice ahead of their matchup with the New York Jets.

With the bye week still a few weeks away, rather than having a normal Wednesday practice, the Colts held a walkthrough instead–hence the estimation of each player’s status.

Pittman did not practice at all a week ago and was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills as he continues to navigate a back injury.

Since the injury flared up several weeks ago, both Pittman and the team have said that they will take things week to week, see how he’s feeling, and then determine his practice and game statuses from there.

“At this point, everybody’s fighting through some type of thing, so it’s not like I’m doing anything that’s special, but we’re just taking it week to week and then just seeing where it goes,” said Pittman last Wednesday.

However, as recently as last Friday, when Pittman was ruled out of the Bills’ game, Shane Steichen said that injured reserve wasn’t an option at this time.

On the season, Pittman has caught 30-of-54 targets for 366 yards and two touchdowns.

Without him this past week, the Colts slid Alec Pierce into Pittman’s role and then had AD Mitchell take over for Pierce. Mitchell would go on to have a career day against Buffalo.

We will see what the rest of the week brings in regards to Pittman’s availability, but being a full participant on Wednesday is a good sign for this week.

Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman continues to navigate back injury

Indianapolis Colts’ WR Michael Pittman spoke to the media on Wednesday as he continues to navigate a back injury.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was not practicing on Wednesday as he continues to navigate a back injury.

For what it’s worth, Pittman hasn’t practiced the last few Wednesdays but has returned on Thursday and Friday and then been available on Sunday.

A few weeks ago, it was reported that injured reserve was a possibility for Pittman because of the aforementioned back injury. However, he decided to fight through the pain to stay on the field.

“At this point, everybody’s fighting through some type of thing, so it’s not like I’m doing anything that’s special, but we’re just taking it week to week and then just seeing where it goes,” said Pittman on Wednesday.

But for Pittman, as well as the rest of the Colts’ offense, it has been tough sledding over these last two games. During that span, while he’s been targeted 10 times, he has only two receptions for 30 yards.

“I’m not going to make excuses for it,” Pittman said of the back injury. “I mean like, if I’m out there, I’m out there.”

Pittman also went from playing 95 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps against Houston to only 76 percent against Minnesota. Was that a product of his back injury?

 “No, not necessarily,” Steichen said on Wednesday. “Obviously, he’s dealing with some stuff, but obviously we are trying to get him the ball as well…He knows his body more than anyone. He’s battling through it. He’s showing the toughness, wants to be out there with his teammates. So we are just taking it week-by week.”

When it comes to getting ready for Sunday’s and making sure that he’s available, Pittman said that each week consists of a lot of rehab, but the overall gameplan on a weekly basis changes depending on how he’s feeling and what’s needed on that specific day.

This week, the Colts face a Bills’ defense that ranks 26th in yards per carry allowed, but is eighth in yards per pass attempt.

“Obviously, I’d like to be more productive out there, but I’m just going and however the flow of the game goes, I mean credit to them (Minnesota) they played a good scheme.”

Colts will monitor WR Michael Pittman throughout the week

As Michael Pittman works through a back injury, Shane Steichen said the Colts would monitor him throughout the week.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman is working through a back injury, and the team will monitor it closely throughout the week, said head coach Shane Steichen on Wednesday.

A week ago, Pittman was added to the Colts’ injury report with this back injury. At one point, it was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the injury could force Pittman to miss “multiple weeks” and that injured reserve could be a possibility.

However, after consulting with medical professionals and his dad, Pittman decided to push through the pain and not only returned to practice last Friday, but played on Sunday in Tennessee and came through with some big receptions in key moments.

According to George Bremer of CNHI Sports Indiana, Pittman came out of Sunday’s game in “good shape.”

This bit of uncertainty each week around Pittman’s status may just become the norm for the time being. This very much feels like a fluid situation that can change from week-to-week depending on how Pittman is feeling.

“We did consider every single option,” Pittman said via ESPN. “And, honestly, [injured reserve] is still not off the table. But as long as I’m feeling, like, good and I can go out there and win routes, then I’ll be out there.”

Pittman finished Sunday’s game with three receptions for 35 yards and a score. In addition to the jump ball touchdown grab, Pittman also converted a key first down late, that allowed the Colts to run most of the remaining time off the clock.

As of Wednesday morning, Steichen did not say whether or not Pittman would be practicing today.

Report: Colts WR Michael Pittman ‘expected’ to be active vs. Titans

According to Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman is “expected” to play on Sunday against the Titans.

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.

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.

Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman not ruled out for game vs. Titans

Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman was back at practice on Friday and has not been ruled out for Sunday’s game with the Titans.

In a surprise, as of Friday afternoon, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has not been ruled out Sunday’s Week 6 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

The reason that this comes as a surprise is because after popping up on the injury report on Wednesday with a back injury, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pittman was expected to miss multiple weeks and could end up on injured reserve.

However, after not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday, Pittman was on the field on Friday. After practice, head coach Shane Steichen did acknowledged that Pittman is working through a back injury but his status for the upcoming game is yet to be determined.

“He’s one of the toughest guys,” said Steichen.

The last two games have been particularly productive for Pittman, who has 11 receptions on 16 targets for 150 yards. This includes a 32 yard reception and a 28 yard reception on passes from Anthony Richardson on the first two drives of the Colts’ Week 4 matchup with Pittsburgh that ultimately led to points.

On the season, Pittman has caught 22-of-33 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown.

This week, the Colts face a Titans’ pass defense that has been one of the stingiest in the NFL, allowed just 5.0 yards per pass attempt, along with being a unit that has been one of the best at eliminating explosive plays.

Big performance from Colts WR Michael Pittman vs. Steelers

Michael Pittman provided the Indianapolis Colts passing game with a big spark against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Michael Pittman provided the Indianapolis Colts passing game with a big spark against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In total, Pittman finished the day catching 6-of-9 passes for 113 yards at an average of 18.8 yards per catch. Two of those completions were explosive plays and helped set up early touchdowns for the Colts’ offense.

The first came on the very first play of the game. From shotgun the Colts ran a play-action pass, with Anthony Richardson connecting with Pittman for a 32 yard gain. Seven plays later the Colts scored and took a 7-0 lead.

The second drive of the game started similarly, with Richardson connecting with Pittman for 28 yards, helping to move the offense from their own 14-yard line to near midfield. Then, eight players later, the Colts scored to take a 14-0 lead.

Facing a defense that entered the game allowing just 8.7 points per game through three weeks, the Colts had two touchdowns before the end of the first quarter, both of which were sparked by Pittman.

It had been a bit of a slow start to the season for Pittman. In the Colts first three games, he had caught just 57 percent of his 19 targets and averaged just 8.0 yards per catch.

However, ESPN’s Seth Walder wrote recently that the underlying numbers showed that Pittman was due for a big performance and that came to fruition on Sunday.

Report: Colts WR Michael Pittman expected to play vs. Bears

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman is expected to play against the Bears.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears. However, he is expected to play, according to Ian Rapoport.

Pittman would practice on Wednesday and Thursday but sat out Friday with what was listed as back and calf injuries. Even with the questionable designation, head coach Shane Steichen was optimistic on Friday about Pittman’s availability.

It’s been a quiet first two games for Pittman. He’s caught just seven of his 14 targets for 52 yards with no scores. By PFF’s metrics, he also has a drop and has struggled in contested catch situations.

With that said, as ESPN highlighted recently, the underlying numbers show a player who could be in store for a big game in the near future. Could that be this week against the Bears?

Overall, the Colts shot to intermediate passing games need more consistency. Through two weeks, the passing offense has been very boom or bust. Having Josh Downs back in the mix will certainly help with that, but Pittman can also provide a big boost as well.

The only other player on the injury repot with a designation was Laiatu Latu who is questionable. The Colts will announce their inactives 90 minutes before kickoff, at which time we will find out if he’s going to play.

Big game for Colts WR Michael Pittman on horizon? ESPN thinks so

It’s been a quiet start for Colts’ WR Michael Pittman, but ESPN believes a big game could be on the horizon for him.

As far as the stat sheet goes, it’s been a relatively quiet first two games for Colts’ wide receiver Michael Pittman. However, is a breakout game on the horizon? ESPN seems to think so.

Pittman has been targeted heavily, with 14 of Anthony Richardson’s passes going his way, but he’s caught only seven of those throws for 52 yards–or an average of 7.4 yards per catch–with no touchdowns.

But even so, ESPN’s Seth Walder highlighted some underlying numbers that show a big game could be incoming for Pittman.

Walder notes that Pittman’s target rate of 33 percent is the fifth-most among receivers–so the opportunities are there–and the 13.6 air yards per target is a big jump compared to the 7.6 air yards per target he had in 2023.

Walder says that both of these metrics are indicators that Pittman’s production “should explode.”

Could that big game be this Sunday against Chicago?

The Bears’ Jaylon Johnson can certainly provide a difficult matchup. In two games, Johnson has allowed only three receptions on eight targets, with an interception and two pass breakups, according to PFF.

However, Walder goes on to point out that Johnson hasn’t followed any receivers in the first two games, so the opportunity for Pittman to line up on Tyrique Stevenson does exist.

Stevenson has allowed only 10 reception on 19 targets overall, and does have an interception and a pair of pass breakups, but on completions, he is surrendering almost 14.0 yards per catch. The Texans’ CJ Stroud was 7-for-10 when throwing at Stevenson last week.

Pittman is currently listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with a back/calf injury–although Shane Steichen did seem optimistic about Pittman being able to play.

A big game from Pittman would go a long way in helping out Anthony Richardson and providing some needed stability to the Colts short and intermediate passing games. Through two weeks, it’s either been boom or bust for the Colts’ offense, who have struggled to sustain drives.

Colts Michael Pittman, Braden Smith banged up but expected to play

Colts’ WR Michael Pittman and OL Braden Smith did not practice on Friday, but Shane Steichen seems optimistic that they’ll play.

Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Michael Pittman and offensive lineman Braden Smith did not practice on Friday after being available on both Wednesday and Thursday.

According to head coach Shane Steichen, both are banged up but they are expected to play. Pittman is dealing with a back and calf injury and Smith with knee soreness, according to The Athletic’s James Boyd.

https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1837176245009739988

After dealing with injuries last season, Smith had offseason knee surgery. We do knot know if it’s the same knee that he is experiencing soreness with.

Through two games, Smith is playing at a high level. In ESPN’s pass-block win rate metric, Smith ranks 19th among all offensive tackles. In their run-blocking win rate metric, he ranks eighth. Collectively, the offensive line has been a bright spot for this Colts team.

For Pittman, it’s been a quiet start to the season. He’s been targeted 14 times, catching just seven of those passes for 52 yards–or just 7.4 yards per catch–with no touchdowns. He’s also been credited with a drop by PFF and has caught only 1-of-5 contested catch opportunities.

Laiatu Latu was back at practice today after missing the previous two days. Julian Blackmon, Matt Gay, Josh Downs, Kenny Moore, and Rodney Thomas were all full participants on Thursday.

The Colts will release their final injury report with designations on Friday afternoon.