Michael Pittman Jr injury report: Latest on Colts WR's status for Week 10 Fantasy Football

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been ruled out for the Week 10 matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium. The AFC South team is now 4-5 after a Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. It marked Joe Flacco’s first start since Anthony Richardson was benched.

Pittman had a discreet game against the NFC North franchise, catching only one pass for 14 yards. Josh Downs and Alec Pierce carried the Colts' receiving game with six receptions for 60 yards and three catches for 41 yards, respectively. Now, the Colts have ruled out Pittman for a game against another strong opponent.

Michael Pittman Jr's injury update: What happened to Colts star WR?

Injuries have bothered Michael Pittman Jr. this season. He's been able to play through some of them, but the situation is different this week. A lower back injury has made it difficult for him to stretch to his full length or bend over at the waist, Joel Erickson of the Indy Star reported.

Pittman has tried different things to not worsen the injury, even sitting out a practice or two during the week before being able to take the field. Coach Shane Steichen said the receiver has been trying to stay active, but now it's considered week-to-week.

“He’s been battling,” Steichen said. “We’re going to take it week to week, and see how it goes.”

During Pittman's bad games, Josh Downs has stepped up for him. The players has caught eight more passes than Pittman (38 to 30) for 411 receiving yards, more than Pittman's 366. He's found the end zone three times this season, while Pittman did it twice.

The Colts’ 2024 season has been full of changes, beginning with Anthony Richardson's solid early performances before an injury paved the way for Joe Flacco to take over.

After he returned, Flacco kept playing well, and Richardson was benched after he removed himself from the Houston Texans game.

The Colts are still in the mix to get a playoff berth, but the next weeks will be crucial for their hopes. If Pittman isn't healthy, the job would be harder to carry out.