Colts Update WR Michael Pittman's Availability for Week 16 vs. Falcons
The Indianapolis Colts will have to try and grab a win against the Atlanta Falcons without their best pass-catcher, as Michael Pittman Jr. has been ruled out.
“Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion/shoulder) has been downgraded to out. He’s dealing with what is essentially whiplash after that vicious hit last week. And now out," NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on X Saturday night.
After the massive hit received from Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Damontae Kazee, Pittman's absence against the Falcons gives rise to some questions about the Colts’ offense and how it will operate.
Despite Colts head coach Shane Steichen announcing that Pittman had cleared concussion protocol, the wideout still showed up on the injury report for Friday as questionable with a shoulder injury. Now, Pittman won’t get a chance to play on Christmas Eve.
This could be why the Colts decided to elevate wideout Ethan Fernea to the gameday roster. Due to the absence of Pittman, look for receivers Alec Pierce and Josh Downs to get a bump in targets from Gardner Minshew.
It’s a big blow not having Pittman, but the Colts do have Jonathan Taylor, which will elevate the offense from a ground standpoint. It will be interesting to see how Arthur Smith’s Falcons approach the Colts now without their best receiver on the field.
