Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was cleared from the league’s concussion protocol and will play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, the team announced Friday.
Pittman sustained a concussion during the Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers when he took a nasty hit from safety Damontae Kazee. The Steelers defender was ejected and subsequently suspended for the hit and will miss the remainder of the regular season.
Having Pittman available is a huge bonus for the Colts offense. He has been the catalyst of the unit all season with 99 receptions for 1,062 yards and four touchdowns. He’s on pace to set career-high marks in both receptions and yards, and he is one reception shy of becoming the latest Colts receiver to reach 100 in a season.
The last player to accomplish the feat was Reggie Wayne, who currently serves as the team’s wide receiver coach.
The Falcons have been tough against opposing wide receivers, allowing the second-fewest receiving yards (1,719) and fourth-fewest receptions (143) to the position this season.
But Pittman has proven to be a true WR1 in Shane Steichen’s offense, and his presence will provide a major bump for the entire unit.
