Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was able to corral just one of his six targets in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Texans, gaining a measly six yards in the contest. Fellow wide receiver Josh Downs was the only Colt who snared more than one pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson, who completed just 10 of 32 passes in the game. Pittman was a DNP at practice on Friday, but it was Richardson's inefficiency that was more to blame than his lingering back issue as the six targets were the most he'd seen since Week 5. Unless Joe Flacco gets back under center for the Colts, this receiving corps looks poised to be very volatile for the foreseeable future and it will be hard to predict which one of the pass catchers will lead the team each week. Having a Week 9 date with the Vikings on the road in Minnesota likely won't make things any easier near-term, although several receivers have posted solid fantasy performances against that group, but with Richardson at the helm, the 27-year-old is probably nothing more than a boom/bust WR3/4.
Oct 28, 2024 10:17 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was not practicing on Friday according to Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated. This is surprising as Pittman was a full participant during Thursday's practice after sitting out on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 27-year-old's status throughout the weekend as he may carry an injury designation if he faced a setback. Pittman has been dealing with a lingering back injury over the past few weeks but has been able to play in every game. If he is able to suit up once again, fantasy managers should view him as a low-end WR2 facing the Houston Texans who have allowed the 21st-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
Oct 25, 2024 1:24 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) are on the practice field on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with toe and back injuries, respectively. The pair of Indy wideouts have logged "DNPs" or limited practice sessions often this year, and that will likely continue as they work through their ailments. Fantasy managers should follow their latest updates, but both wideouts have lower floors and ceilings with Anthony Richardson at quarterback instead of Joe Flacco. Although the Houston Texans have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to receivers this year, neither is a must-start stud given Richardson's struggles as a passer. Consider both WR4 or WR5 types with a touchdown-or-bust outlook. If one or both of them do not play on Sunday, Alec Pierce will carry the same outlook.
Oct 24, 2024 2:25 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) were both not seen at practice on Wednesday. Pittman and Downs were also rested last Wednesday, so as long as they return to practice on Thursday or Friday, it seems likely they'll both be active for Week 8 against the division-rival Houston Texans after they both played in the Week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins. Pittman nearly went on Injured Reserve initially after sustaining a back injury, so it's an injury that he could be playing through for a while. He played 89% of the offensive snaps last Sunday and caught three passes for 63 yards in quarterback Anthony Richardson's return. Downs had just one catch for three yards. Given Richardson's inconsistency as a passer early in his career, both Pittman and Downs figure to be more volatile from a fantasy standpoint.
Oct 23, 2024 5:12 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught three of his five targets for 63 yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Pittman accounted for almost half of Indianapolis' receiving yards on Sunday, with quarterback Anthony Richardson throwing for just 129 yards in the contest. Most of Pittman's production came from a 33-yard throw from Richardson in the first half that set up a field goal before the half expired. Like the rest of Indy's pass-catchers, their ceilings take quite a hit with Richardson as the starter, but Pittman showed today he still provides a solid floor and can be trusted moving forward. He can be viewed as a WR3 option in Week 8 when the Colts take on the Houston Texans.
Oct 21, 2024 1:14 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Pittman averaged 3.7 catches, 29.3 yards, and zero touchdowns per game with Anthony Richardson under center, and those averages jumped to 4.7 catches, 61.7 yards, and 0.7 touchdowns when Joe Flacco replaced the injured Richardson. Now that Richardson is healthy and has reclaimed his starting job, we'll see whether Pittman can keep up his hot stretch of games. Even if the passing offense does take a step backward under Richardson, Pittman is still talented enough to be deployed as a fantasy WR3/FLEX.
Oct 20, 2024 11:34 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is anticipated to play in Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. His back issue isn't anything new, and it's not expected to go away anytime soon. However, as long as the wideout's condition doesn't take a turn for the worse, he should continue to play moving forward. Pittman has scored in each of his last two games. Unfortunately, he's only caught more than four passes twice this season. Still, Pittman should always be considered a starting fantasy option, even with Josh Downs (toe) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) in line to suit up.
Oct 20, 2024 12:35 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Pittman opened the week sitting out during Wednesday's practice but then upgraded to full participation on Thursday. However, he was downgraded to a non-participant on Friday, which is not a positive sign for his status. However, Pittman has been able to play through this back injury over the past few weeks and could very well see his typical workload on Sunday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status throughout the weekend and should feel comfortable starting him as a low-end WR2 if he can play.
Oct 18, 2024 4:14 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Pittman missed two practices last week before practicing in full on Friday and playing in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old pass-catcher said after the win over the Titans that his back injury could still land him on Injured Reserve, but the fact that he's back to a full practice on Thursday likely means he'll be available again this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. However, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for Pittman after he played a season-low in offensive snaps last week. If not for a jump-ball touchdown, he would have disappointed with only three catches for 35 yards. Outside of a 100-yard game in Week 4, Pittman hasn't gone over 40 receiving yards in 2024.
Oct 17, 2024 8:45 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) are both practicing on Thursday after picking up DNP tags on Wednesday. Pittman and Downs both missed two practices last week and were up in the air to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, but they both suited up and found the end zone. Pittman said after Sunday's win that he could still land on Injured Reserve due to his back injury, but the fact he's practicing on Thursday this week is a good sign that he'll be ready to roll this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. However, Pittman played a season-low 80% of the offensive snaps last week and caught just three passes for 35 yards. With quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) looking likely to return this weekend, the bust potential for both Pittman and Downs will increase.
Oct 17, 2024 1:22 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Downs was held out of practice early last week with this injury but was able to suit up for Sunday's game. The injury did not seem too serious as the 23-year-old caught seven of his nine targets for 66 yards and a score. Pittman was originally expected to hit the injured reserve last week but was also able to suit up last weekend. As a result, fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status throughout the week, but this could be a precautionary measure. Since making his season debut in Week 3, Downs has emerged as the top wideout in this passing attack, as he has averaged 15.7 PPR points in this span, while Pittman has held a solid 13.0 average mark.
Oct 16, 2024 4:30 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) said that Injured Reserve is not off the table after he gutted out a back injury to play in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. "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 said. A back injury that became increasingly acute in the last week put Pittman's status in question for Week 6, but he played through the injury and even caught the decisive touchdown in the 20-17 victory. However, the 27-year-old played a season-low 80% of the offensive snaps and finished with only three catches for 35 yards. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks this week, we'd expect Pittman to play in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins, but he acknowledged his back will be a week-to-week situation that could change at any time. That will certainly make him a more volatile fantasy option, especially with quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) expected to return this week.
Oct 14, 2024 6:42 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught three of his five targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in the team's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Pittman was tied for second in targets with running back Tyler Goodson and finished third in total receiving yards for Indy. While Pittman didn't jump off the box score from a yardage perspective, it was an encouraging performance given the Titans' secondary was allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. On top of that, Pittman looks to be in the clear from the back injury that initially looked like it was going to sideline him for multiple games. It's still unclear who Indianapolis' starting QB will be moving forward, with Joe Flacco getting the start today and Anthony Richardson serving as the QB3. All in all, Pittman is considered a W2/3 option again in Week 7 when the Colts take on the Miami Dolphins.
Oct 14, 2024 12:31 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is officially active for Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans. He went from being an injured reserve candidate to being listed as questionable to being active for Sunday's game. Pittman evidently made remarkable progress this week and figures to be a key contributor for Indianapolis ahead of its divisional clash on Sunday. He also gets a boost from Joe Flacco, the Colts' talented veteran passer who was named the starter after Anthony Richardson (oblique) was scratched at the last minute. Pittman ranks as a fringe top-24 wide receiver for fantasy purposes.
Oct 13, 2024 11:54 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is expected to be active ahead of the Week 6 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. This is an odd turn of events after Pittman was a candidate for the injured reserve earlier in the week. Now, Pittman might suit up and play after being able to practice on Friday. It's unclear what kind of condition Pittman is in physically heading into this game. Fantasy managers should be cautious and rank Pittman as more of a low-end WR3 for Sunday's game. It's uncertain if he'll be limited at all and quarterback Anthony Richardson hasn't exactly had great chemistry with Pittman early in the season.
Oct 13, 2024 10:58 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) plans to play Sunday in the team's Week 6 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. A few days ago, there was talk that Pittman could miss multiple weeks with a back injury and began the week with back-to-back non-participant designations at practice. His fortune changed on Friday when he was able to log a limited session, and he is reportedly traveling with the team to Nashville ahead of the divisional tilt, per Stephen Holder of The Athletic. It's excellent news for the Colts, who should also have second-year wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) and quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) active for the contest as well. Reports are that the 27-year-old will "play through" the nagging back injury, so it's possible he is operating at less than 100% and could have his snap count monitored. Tennessee's defense has been difficult for opposing offenses this season, so expectations should be tempered due to his health and the poor matchup.
Oct 12, 2024 9:58 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Pittman did not participate in Wednesday's or Thursday's practice but was able to return in full on Friday which is a promising sign for his status for this weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status ahead over the weekend. The USC product got off to a slow start this season but has tallied at least ten PPR points in each of his past two games with a a high of 17.3 in Week 4. If Pittman is able to suit up he should be viewed as a high-floor WR3 in PPR leagues.
Oct 11, 2024 4:12 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) were both absent from practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Pittman could be sidelined multiple weeks with his back injury, so fantasy managers should already be expecting him to miss the Week 6 contest against the division-rival Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Downs' status is a bit less clear, but with two DNPs already this week for him as well, his status is also firmly up in the air for the weekend. Running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) hasn't practiced this week either, so Indy's offense could be missing three of their best playmakers against the Titans. If both Pittman and Downs are unable to play in Week 6, Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell would be the Colts' top-two wideouts for either quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) or Joe Flacco. Pittman is a candidate for Injured Reserve, which would sideline him at least four games.
Oct 10, 2024 1:33 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is expected to miss multiple weeks. The Colts have also suggested that Pittman may be placed on injured reserve. Pittman was a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and is listed as doubtful heading into this weekend. This is unfortunate news for fantasy managers as Pittman had just started to come alive. He had at least 113 receiving yards or a touchdown in his last two games. That may be attributed to the presence of quarterback Joe Flacco in the lineup rather than a struggling Anthony Richardson. However, it could be some time before fantasy managers find out if Pittman is able to build on that momentum. Pittman has recorded 22 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown in 2024. For now, fantasy managers will have to stick him in their IR spot and hope for the best.
Oct 9, 2024 6:15 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. In addition to Pittman, Josh Downs (toe) also popped on the Week 6 injury report and didn't practice. It's not a great start to the week for Pittman and Downs, but they still have two days left to get back onto the practice field. Given his injury and the fact that we still don't know if quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) will play this Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, Pittman's fantasy outlook is a bit up in the air. He had 11 receptions for 88 yards and no touchdowns in the first three weeks with Richardson at the helm but has exploded for 11 catches for 150 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the last two weeks with Richardson injured. Pittman's fantasy upside may actually be higher if Richardson misses another week.
Oct 9, 2024 5:04 PM EST