Michael Pittman injury update: Colts receiver could play in Week 6 despite back injury

INDIANAPOLIS — Michael Pittman Jr. is still exploring his options in dealing with a back injury that could still force him to miss time.

Pittman’s injury forced him to miss the first two practices of the week, and multiple sources told IndyStar on Wednesday that the Colts ’ No. 1 receiver was expected to miss some time, although the team was still determining how much.

Then Pittman returned to practice on Friday in a surprising move.

“We still don’t know what course of action is going to happen, but I’m just doing everything to put myself in the best situation to try and play, because I want to be out there for everybody,” Pittman said.

Pittman acknowledged that he had an MRI earlier this week, although he declined to reveal the results or the nature of the injury that is threatening his availability.

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The fourth-year receiver has been dealing with the back injury for most of the season. Pittman was placed on the injury report before the Chicago game with back and ankle injuries, but it is difficult to put together a concrete timeline for the back issue.

“It just kind of flares up every now and then,” Pittman said. “It’s just something that we’ve been dealing with.”

The ongoing pain led to Pittman’s MRI earlier this week, along with reports that he could miss time due to the injury.

Pittman has not been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Titans yet; at the same time, an extended absence could still be possible.

“Nothing is guaranteed,” Pittman said. “Everything is still on the table.”

Pittman has missed just four games in his career.

Michael Pittman’s injury history

He suffered compartment syndrome after taking a blow to the leg and missed three games as a rookie, and he missed one game last season after suffering a concussion following an illegal blow from Pittsburgh safety Damontae Kazee.

“He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been around,” Steichen said. “I’m not surprised.”

From the sounds of it, another player might not have tested out his back on the practice field, but Pittman wants to keep his options open in case he’s able to play.

“I feel like I can still go out there and be effective,” Pittman said.

Pittman leads the Colts with 22 catches this season, picking up 238 yards and a touchdown in the process. If he is forced to miss time, the playing time would likely increase for rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and veteran Ashton Dulin.

Dulin has two catches for 67 yards and a touchdown this season, but he's a big, physical player who has played 77 snaps this season.

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"We've got some depth in this room, finally," Colts wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne said. "It'd probably be more of a role for Ash, and Ash is probably the biggest pro in the room. One thing about Ash, is Ash's got it from the ground up. I couldn't tell you anybody else that came out of Malone College."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Michael Pittman injury update: Colts receiver could play in Week 6 despite back injury