Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Colts praise WR playing through injury: 'Toughest guy I've ever been around'

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 10/15/24

Last week, it was reported that Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was dealing with a back injury which was expected to sideline him for " multiple weeks." That's not how things played out, though.

In just a matter of a few days, Pittman went from being a candidate for injured reserve to deciding to play through his injury. The fifth-year wide receiver was active for Indianapolis' Week 6 win against the Tennessee Titans and even caught the game-winning touchdown.

It's safe to say Pittman earned the respect of his coaches and teammates.

"(He's) the toughest guy I've ever been around," head coach Shane Steichen said via the team's website. "It's huge. This league is a tough, physical league and he shows that. It's great for guys in the locker room to see that, that he battles through stuff. He's just a warrior."

Despite his unmatched toughness, Pittman has been long overlooked as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. But the 27-year-old was paid as such this offseason with a three-year, $71 million deal and seems to be worth every penny.

"I wouldn't give myself that much credit," Pittman said. "I'm just gonna keep showing up and whatever opportunities come, try to make the most of them, just go out there and try to help us win."

Praise for Pittman didn't stop there. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who was filling in for the injured Anthony Richardson, spoke highly of him as well.

"He's got to be one of the toughest players I've played with," Flacco said. "When you have guys like that, you can go a long way. That's the kind of guy you need to play winning football. And he's unbelievable for that."

That's some high praise from a player who's played with many great players over his 17-year NFL career such as wide receivers Steve Smith Sr. and Anquan Boldin and linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.

Regardless, the praise is deserved as Pittman helped the Colts get back to .500 (3-3) to keep them in the race for the AFC South.

Pittman will look to continue displaying his toughness in Week 7 when Indianapolis hosts the Miami Dolphins (2-3).

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