Michael Pittman Jr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) are on the practice field on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with toe and back injuries, respectively. The pair of Indy wideouts have logged "DNPs" or limited practice sessions often this year, and that will likely continue as they work through their ailments. Fantasy managers should follow their latest updates, but both wideouts have lower floors and ceilings with Anthony Richardson at quarterback instead of Joe Flacco. Although the Houston Texans have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to receivers this year, neither is a must-start stud given Richardson's struggles as a passer. Consider both WR4 or WR5 types with a touchdown-or-bust outlook. If one or both of them do not play on Sunday, Alec Pierce will carry the same outlook.UPDATE: Both Downs and Pittman practiced in full on Thursday.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) were both not seen at practice on Wednesday. Pittman and Downs were also rested last Wednesday, so as long as they return to practice on Thursday or Friday, it seems likely they'll both be active for Week 8 against the division-rival Houston Texans after they both played in the Week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins. Pittman nearly went on Injured Reserve initially after sustaining a back injury, so it's an injury that he could be playing through for a while. He played 89% of the offensive snaps last Sunday and caught three passes for 63 yards in quarterback Anthony Richardson's return. Downs had just one catch for three yards. Given Richardson's inconsistency as a passer early in his career, both Pittman and Downs figure to be more volatile from a fantasy standpoint.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught three of his five targets for 63 yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Pittman accounted for almost half of Indianapolis' receiving yards on Sunday, with quarterback Anthony Richardson throwing for just 129 yards in the contest. Most of Pittman's production came from a 33-yard throw from Richardson in the first half that set up a field goal before the half expired. Like the rest of Indy's pass-catchers, their ceilings take quite a hit with Richardson as the starter, but Pittman showed today he still provides a solid floor and can be trusted moving forward. He can be viewed as a WR3 option in Week 8 when the Colts take on the Houston Texans.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. Pittman averaged 3.7 catches, 29.3 yards, and zero touchdowns per game with Anthony Richardson under center, and those averages jumped to 4.7 catches, 61.7 yards, and 0.7 touchdowns when Joe Flacco replaced the injured Richardson. Now that Richardson is healthy and has reclaimed his starting job, we'll see whether Pittman can keep up his hot stretch of games. Even if the passing offense does take a step backward under Richardson, Pittman is still talented enough to be deployed as a fantasy WR3/FLEX.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is anticipated to play in Sunday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins. His back issue isn't anything new, and it's not expected to go away anytime soon. However, as long as the wideout's condition doesn't take a turn for the worse, he should continue to play moving forward. Pittman has scored in each of his last two games. Unfortunately, he's only caught more than four passes twice this season. Still, Pittman should always be considered a starting fantasy option, even with Josh Downs (toe) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) in line to suit up.