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Michael Pittman Jr. was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 34th overall pick.
The wheels began to fall off for the Indianapolis Colts 2025 season when they were struck by the injury bug. At the top of the infection list was quarterback Daniel Jones, whose career year was cut short in Week 14 after suffering an Achilles injury on his right leg. This injury occurred only two weeks after initially landing on the injury report ahead of Week 12 for a fractured fibula on his left leg. Despite the injury diagnosis, Jones continued to play, and as a resul,t his play took a slight dip. Many were curious if this was a result of the injury or if it was Jones crashing back to earth after his excellent start to the season. Perhaps a bit of both. However, Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. just revealed the true severity of Jones fractured fibula.
“I don’t know a lot of guys that can play through a broken leg,” Pittman Jr. said on Super Bowl Media Row. “Like it wasn’t just — I might be saying too much — it was really broken. Nothing light. I’ve seen those scans and was like ‘oh (expletive).’ He’s a tough guy, and we definitely need that.”
GettyDaniel Jones rushed for 164 yards and five touchdowns across 13 games with the Colts in 2025.
In his three games playing with the fibula fracture, Jones went 38/65, throwing for 442 yards, four touchdowns, and only one interception. His rushing ability dropped significantly, as he only carried the ball five times for 21 additional yards. His pocket mobility was also notably limited. Now, understanding the full scope of the injury he was playing through makes it all the more impressive what he was able to accomplish. It remains to be seen if Jones will be able to replicate his early-season success with the team in 2026. The Colts will first need to answer whether Jones will be on the team at all, given his free-agent status.
Michael Pittman Jr. remains confident that Jones will end up back in Indy.
Pittman Jr. Belevies it Would Be ‘Wise” For Colts to Resign Jones
Sentiment around the organization is that the Colts would love to have Daniel Jones back for next season and that Jones would love to be back.
Pittman Jr. echoed this sentiment about his quarterback, saying, “I’m very confident they are going to do whatever it takes”, in relation to the Colts working out a new deal with Jones. “I think that that’s wise, because everybody loves Dan.”
Despite everyone’s admiration for Jones, contract negotiations are more complex following this injury. The question is about how much the team values him and believes he can come back at 100%. If they do, then the question becomes, do you divulge a large amount of capital in a quarterback coming off the second major leg injury of his career, or do you franchise tag him and place him in another year-long prove-it deal?
All signs so far point towards a large contract extension. Colts general manager Chris Ballard shared his thoughts on Jones’ future at the teams end of year media availability. “I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he’s at, where he’s going,” Ballard said. “Yes, he’s got the Achilles, but I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis. And look, there is some comfort knowing that, ‘Okay, we know we’ve got a guy that’s proven, that’s done it, and done some really good things.’ So, that does give you some confidence.”
GettyDaniel Jones threw for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns with only 8 interceptions across 13 games in 2025.
Pittman Jr. Remains Unsure Of His Own Future With the Colts
When asked about his own job security, Pittman Jr. answered honestly.
“Indy is my home. I mean, I love everything about it. I love the people there. I love this team,” Pittman Jr. said in an interview with WISH TV. “I just really want to do everything that I can to bring this team back to where we should be…I would love to be a part of that, but part of it is not in my control. The nature of football it’s a business, right? So, we’ll see what happens.”
GettyMichael Pittman Jr. recorded 80 catches for 784 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2025.
Pittman Jr.’s production dropped in 2025, failing to reach 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season and being outpaced by fellow wide receiver Alec Pierce. Pierce is an unrestricted free agent for 2026, and if the team hopes to resign him and Daniel Jones, they may have to make space within their cap.
Pittman Jr. is set to cost the team $29 Million next season, and releasing him would offload $24 Million of that hit. While Pittman Jr. has been a steady and productive player and a valued member of the Colts’ community, his time in Indy may be coming to an end.
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