Michael Pittman Jr. injury update: Latest on Colts WR for Fantasy Football Week 9

Michael Pittman Jr. had a career year in 2023 and was rewarded with a three-year, $70 million contract extension. It was expected that Pittman would continue with the stellar production in 2024, but the veteran wide receiver is having a down year.

Pittman has recorded 29 catches in eight games with 352 yards and two touchdowns this season. It's unlikely that he'll come anywhere close to the career numbers he pulled off in 2023.

Hence, let's examine Pittman's availability ahead of the Colts' Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Michael Pittman Jr.'s injury update

According to ESPN, Michael Pittman Jr. was a full participant in Thursday's training session. The veteran pass catcher made a full return to training after missing Wednesday's session due to a niggling back issue.

Pittman's participation in training should help clear doubts about his ability to play in Sunday's game against the Vikings. He'll likely catch passes from Joe Flacco at the US Bank Stadium in Week 9.

It remains to be seen whether Pittman will be the first option. He's led the franchise in receiving yards in just two games this season.

How have Michael Pittman Jr. and the Indianapolis Colts performed in 2024?

Michael Pittman Jr. is having arguably his least impressive season since his rookie season. The USC product has gone over 50 receiving yards just twice this year, and he has yet to record a touchdown since Week 6.

Pittman's lack of consistency is similar to what the entire Colts franchise is dealing with this season. The Colts have failed to record three consecutive wins this season, and they're on pace to finish with a 9-8 or 8-9 record.

However, that might not be enough to make the playoffs, as they're in a competitive conference. The Colts must find consistency in the second half of the 2024 season if they have realistic hopes of breaking their postseason drought.