Michael Pittman Jr. Played Season with Fractured Back

Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, played the entire 2024 season with a fractured back, an injury initially detected after a Week 3 game. Despite the pain and potential for worsening, Pittman opted to continue playing, driven by a sense of duty to his teammates and the privilege of playing in the NFL. He finished the season with 69 receptions for 808 yards and three touchdowns, a notable decline from his 2023 performance. Pittman is set to undergo further medical evaluations to determine if surgery is necessary, which will depend on the results of an MRI scan. The injury impacted his performance and contributed to a challenging season for the Colts, who ended with an 8-9 record and finished second in the AFC South. Colts management, including owner Jim Irsay, has reaffirmed their support for General Manager Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen despite calls for leadership changes.