Michael Pittman Jr. will miss time, with injured reserve a possibility: Source

Michael Pittman Jr. is going to miss time with a back injury, and injured reserve is a possibility, a source confirmed to IndyStar.

The Colts ' No. 1 wide receiver suffered the injury in Sunday's 37-34 loss to the Jaguars, a game in which he caught five passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. The Colts will now examine whether to keep him on the roster or to send him to injured reserve, which would cost him at least the next four games.

The Colts have had a rash of injuries already in this young season, having lost defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, top outside cornerback JuJu Brents, defensive end Samson Ebukam and tight end Jelani Woods to injured reserve. Quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor also missed Sunday's game with injuries.

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Pittman missed Wednesday's practice along with slot receiver Josh Downs, who suffered a toe injury against the Jaguars.

Pittman has had a quieter start to the season based on his standards, as he has 22 catches for 238 yards and one touchdown in five games. He's led the Colts in receptions and yards for three straight seasons, topping out last year at 109 catches for 1,152 yards.

Pittman cashed that career year in for a three-year, $70 million extension this spring.

Alec Pierce is enjoying a breakout season opposite Pittman, leading the NFL with 28.3 yards per catch. Pittman's absence could bring more targets his way, though as the team's deep receiver, Pierce's role isn't built to be high in volume. Downs' is, and this absence could also spell a large role for second-round Texas rookie Adonai Mitchell, who has struggled to produce on his targets so far.

Together, they'll have to step up to help out Richardson, who is looking to improve on a 50.6% completion rate in his second season.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Michael Pittman Jr. will miss time, with injured reserve a possibility: Source