The Colts could be without their reigning lead wideout which could have a ripple effect on the rest of their receiving corps.
Indianapolis Colts reigning lead wideout Michael Pittman Jr. has officially been listed as ‘questionable’ ahead of the team’s Week 3 matchup (-1.5) hosting the Chicago Bears—as he’s currently nursing a back/calf injury.
The offseason’s new “$70 million man” hasn’t quite looked like his former self so far this season through two starts—and maybe the recent injuries explain some of his slow start.
Specifically, Pittman Jr. has been held to just 7 receptions for 52 receiving yards and 0 touchdown receptions through the first 2 games of the 2024 regular season.
Pittman Jr. has admittedly looked a bit slower running and cutting in-and-out of his routes.
The sure-handed possession wideout’s absence would assuredly have a ripple effect on the Colts receiving corps. Not to mention, it would be felt in their perimeter run blocking game as well—as he’s tenacious and physical out there on the outside and downfield.
It could also mean another big week for Colts wideout Alec Pierce, who’s so far paced the Colts wide receiver room with 8 receptions for 181 receiving yards and 2 touchdown receptions and has clearly looked like Indianapolis’s best playmaker to begin the year.
Potentially making up for some of the loss of Pittman Jr could be the return of starting slot wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) who was a full-participant in practice all week. Downs could provide a much-needed sure-handed, shifty, separating safety valve over the middle of the field to help with some of the currently stalling short-to-intermediate passing game.