Michael Pittman Jr., a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, will play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons after clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol, according to Colts head coach Shane Steichen and several reports.
Due to the head injury, Pittman Jr. left Indianapolis’ Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after catching four passes for 78 yards. He did not come back. Pittman Jr.’s situation was more understood during Friday’s practice. The veteran receiver was probably nearing the end of the league’s concussion protocol as he practiced without a red jersey for two days in a row.
The return of Pittman Jr. to the starting lineup is a huge boost for the Colts’ offense, which will be facing the Falcons, who have one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Also, experienced Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew has had Pittman Jr. as a dependable go-to target, and he’s on track to have a career year in receiving yards and touchdowns.
Pittman Jr. has averaged 10.7 yards per reception on 99 receptions for 1,062 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. This Sunday, Indy’s top receiving target will be available, so he’ll have a chance to improve to those numbers and lead the Colts to their ninth victory of the
year.
