Indianapolis Colts fans and Michael Pittman Jr. fantasy owners received concerning news regarding the wide receiver's health on Wednesday. Amid a terrific start to the season, he won't be available for several weeks, leaving another void in the Colts' offense.
Here's everything you need to know about Pittman's new injury and how it will affect his team and those who drafted him in fantasy football.
Michael Pittman injury update: What happened to Colts WR?
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Michael Pittman Jr. is dealing with a back injury that will keep him sidelined for multiple weeks. He may be added to the injured reserve, as his timetable return isn't defined yet.
This is the worst possible news for the Colts, who were already dealing with the injuries of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson and star running back Jonathan Taylor.
The Colts have stayed afloat with Joe Flacco under center and Trey Sermon in the backfield, and they will likely do the same with Josh Downs while Pittman stays out.
The five-year veteran has been targeted 37 times this season, catching 22 passes for 238 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The Colts are 2-3 after five games, two games away from division leaders Houston Texans (4-1).
Who should I replace Michael Pittman Jr. with in fantasy football?
Josh Downs should be the first option if you lost Michael Pittman Jr. to this injury. He should get more targets while Pittman is out, especially knowing Joe Flacco knows how to distribute the ball across the offense.
It's worth noting that Downs missed Wednesday's practice session with a toe injury, but if he's available, it wouldn't hurt to pick him off waivers. He was targeted 12 times against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5, which could have previewed what was coming for him after the unfortunate news regarding Pittman.
Downs has been targeted 26 times this season, completing 20 receptions for 173 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
Another option for the Colts and fantasy managers is Alec Pierce. If Downs doesn't make it to Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, Pierce's targets and reception might go down. He could be a deep threat for opposing defenses, especially if Anthony Richardson returns to the field.
The receiver has been targeted 17 times for 13 receptions, 368 receiving yards and three touchdowns. These numbers could go up in Pittman's absence, as the Colts are urged to win games.
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