The Indianapolis Colts aim for a better outcome in 2025 and hope to contend for the AFC South division and a playoff berth after failing to make the playoffs since 2020. For that to happen, the offense either needs to see drastic improvement from Anthony Richardson in Year 3 or for Daniel Jones to return to his 2022 form, when he led the New York Giants to the Divisional Round. The Colts have plenty of talented wide receivers on their roster, so either Richardson or Jones can thrive next season.
Highlighting one of their top receivers is their former second-round pick, who battled a significant injury.
The Indianapolis Colts’ WR1 battled a back injury
Michael Pittman Jr. dealt with a low-back fracture since training camp in 2024, but toughed it out and played an impressive 16 games, with Week 10 being the only game he missed. Pittman initially injured his back during joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals, and the low-back fracture was later discovered following their Week 3 victory over the Chicago Bears. His injury didn’t deter him from having a solid year, hauling in 69 receptions on 111 targets for 808 yards and three touchdowns.
He reveals a massive injury update
According to Joel Erickson, during Tuesday’s press conference, Michael Pittman Jr. told the media that he was cleared to play football last month and had taken the necessary steps to recover from his injury from last season. Pittman reveals that he did not undergo back surgery during the offseason. He isn’t expected to miss OTAs or mandatory minicamp.
Michael Pittman Jr. did not have to have surgery on his back, the WR reiterates.
Pittman says he was cleared to play last month and he believes he’s done the work necessary to get past the fractured back he played through last season.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 22, 2025
