Anthony Richardson was seen throwing in front of the media for the first time since October of last year, including a pass to Michael Pittman Jr. that caused him to go down for a couple of minutes.
Richardson looked noticeably smooth throwing the ball, indicating that he is fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered last season that ended his year. Richardson mentioned there are some days his shoulder still feels “a little achy”, but is expected to have no restrictions in his participation in spring team activities.
During OTAs on Wednesday, Richardson rolled out of the pocket and threw a pass to a crowded area of the field where Michael Pittman Jr. leapt into the air to make a play on the ball and collided with defensive back, Jaylon Jones. At this point, it sounds like Pittman avoided a serious injury after Head Coach Shane Steichen shared that Pittman and Jones banged knees and he should be fine.
The Colts will be an exciting offense in 2024 with Richardson at the helm and Pittman Jr. as his established WR1. Fantasy Managers shouldn’t be afraid to project future success for this offense and take advantage of Pittman and Richardson’s current ADPs.
Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is finalizing a three-year $70 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Shortly after getting tagged with the Franchise Tag, Michael Pittman Jr. is getting a three-year $70 million deal that can reach up to $71.5 million max, with $46 million guaranteed. The Colts wanting to keep their top passing weapon was evident after applying the tag worth $21.8 million for one year. The ensuing contract extension is win for both the team and the player. Pittman Jr. can look for another payday at 29 years old at the completion of this deal.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson is smiling at the moment to keep his big target on the field. While Richardson and Pittman did not get to play together for much last season due to the QB’s injuries, they did have a decent connection. Their last game together Pittman Jr. had 8 catches for 97 yards and 1 TD, then Richardson sat out the rest of the season on injured reserve. The connection should only get better barring injury.
Pittman Jr. has the potential to be a low end WR1 on the season. Richardson has a howitzer cannon for an arm to make some beautiful connections deep down the field. The biggest downside may be Richardson not improving as a passer and relying more on his running skills. If things come together as planned, look for the Colts offense to be juggernaut.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. was franchise tagged by the Indianapolis Colts. The 1-year tag is worth $21.816 million.
Michael Pittman Jr. was drafted 2020 out of USC by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2nd round. Pittman is a massive specimen at 6’4″ and 223 lbs. The big man became the Colts top receiver mid way through his rookie season. Although Pittman’s numbers are not flashy, he has been very reliable for the revolving door of quarterbacks throwing to him in his short career. Pittman hit career highs with 109 catches and 1,152 yards receiving in 2023 despite his losing his starter in rookie QB Anthony Richardson.
Pittman Jr. will return with Richardson for next season on a 1-Year franchise tag worth $21.816 million. Hopefully with the health issues in the past, Richardson can gel with Pittman and produce season the WR is capable of. The Colts are likely trying to keep Pittman Jr. long-term, it will not be a surprise if they work out a deal before the season starts.
Dynasty owners should be patient and see how Pittman Jr. and Richardson play before making firm decision on keeping or targeting him in trades. Pittman should still range in the mid to high range WR2.
Michael Pittman has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Week 17 when the Colts face the Las Vegas Raiders.
Michael Pittman has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Week 17 when the Colts face the Las Vegas Raiders. Pittman is the WR11 despite missing last week’s game due to this lingering concussion.
The Colts are getting a huge boost with the return of Pittman. Gardner Minshew and the rest of the Colts offense looked bad last week in Pittman’s absence. Minshew is now playable in Superflex leagues with Pittman’s return. Pittman has 99 receptions for 1062 yards and 4 touchdowns. Pittman, however, has a tough matchup this week playing a Raiders defense that has been playing lights out as of late. Temper your expectations for Pittman in this one, he is still a high end WR2 this week.
Michael Pittman was cleared from concussion protocol, but had a relapse in symptoms and will miss week 16 against the Falcons.
The Colts Offense will look different this week with Jonathan Taylor returning from Thumb surgery and Michael Pittman and Zack Moss both being ruled out from injuries suffered in last weeks win against the Steelers.
Without Moss, Taylor will return to a featured role in the Colts offense and be leaned on more than usual without Pittman in the passing game. Expectations for Taylor should still be tempered against a Falcons Defense that is yet to allow a rushing touchdown to a running back this season. Taylor will be backed up by Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson, who can be left out of fantasy lineups this week.
Alec Pierce will be the leader in snaps at wide receiver without Pittman, but D.J. Montgomery looks to be the biggest beneficiary after dropping a would-be touchdown early last week before hauling one in later in the game.
Anthony Richardson has been ruled out of the Colts week 3 matchup against the Ravens as he recovers from a Concussion.
Anthony Richardson was having a great start to Week 2, rushing for 2 touchdowns in the first half. He exited the game in the 2nd Quarter when he slammed his head on the turf after his 2nd touchdown, and did not return. He hasn’t practiced at all this week and has been ruled out for Week 3.
Enter the return of Minshew-mania. Gardner Minshew will be starting in place of Richardson this Sunday against a somewhat stingy Ravens D that has allowed only 16.5 ppg through the first 2 weeks. Minshew should be left on waivers in most single QB redraft leagues, and is only a desperate streaming option in 2QB Leagues this weekend.
For the other Colts position players, you can expect a slight bump in production for their main Wide Receiver, Michael Pittman, who demonstrated good chemistry with Minshew last week catching 8 passes. While you shouldn’t be in a rush to start any of the other receiving weapons for the Colts this week, you can expect Zack Moss to see increased production as they won’t be able to lean on Richardson to run the ball near the goal line. If you’re a Fantasy Manager who owns Richardson, you’re quickly noticing his style of play may lead to missed time, and you should try to secure an insurance QB that you can rely on as needed throughout the rest of the season.
