Injury Concern for Colts Star Receiver?

Could there be an injury concern for Indianapolis Colts star wide receiver Michael Pittman?

The news for the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason has been almost universally positive after a tumultuous 2022 season. A report from the weekend has put a small damper on that.

Michael Pittman Jr. is dealing with a hip injury.

Darius Rush has a hamstring. Will Mallory hurt his foot in rookie minicamp.

Steichen downplaying all 3 injuries.

— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) June 2, 2023

"Michael Pittman Jr. is dealing with a hip injury," reported Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star. "Darius Rush has a hamstring. Will Mallory hurt his foot in rookie minicamp. [Shane] Steichen downplaying all 3 injuries."

The Colts are already light on proven receiving options heading into the 2023 season. They can ill afford to lose a Pittman, their unquestioned No. 1 right now.

Pro Football Focus had this to say of the Colts receivers last month:

Outside of Michael Pittman Jr., there’s a lot to be desired regarding pass catchers in this Colts offense. Neither Alec Pierce nor Jelani Woods made big impacts as rookies, though there is plenty of room for development and a reasonable expectation of improved performance in 2023. -- Dalton Wasserman and Jim Wyman, PFF

According to Erickson, new head coach Shane Steichen doesn't appear to be overly concerned about Pittman's injury, or the hamstring of rookies Darius Rush (CB) and Will Mallory (TE).

Pittman is in his fourth season and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. He still posted 925-yards receiving last year despite the merry-go-round of subpar quarterback play from the Colts. 

His missing some time in June isn't too much of a concern despite trying to adapt to a new offense. However, the more work he can get in the preseason with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, the quicker Richardson can develop chemistry with the team's top receiver.

Rush and Mallory missing time is a little more concerning. Rookies need all of the practice time they can get to acclimate to the NFL. 

Rush and Mallory were both taken in the fifth round of the draft after acing the pre-draft process. Rush had a 4.36 forty and Mallory a 4.54 at 239 pounds. They' both expected to inject speed and depth into their respective positions, and Mallory in particular has a chance to contribute early.

Are the injuries long-term concerns for the Indianapolis Colts? It doesn't appear that way, but getting the pass catchers back on the field with Richardson as early and often as possible will still be a priority this summer.