Pittman Jr., who was dealing with a fractured back in an injury-hobbled 2024 season, did not have surgery on his back and “believes he’s done the work necessary” to get past it. We’d be wary of Pittman Jr. even with his target potential because back injuries can linger, but that price will likely be built into his ADP as we approach fantasy drafts in the summer. He and Josh Downs should vie for the lead target role in the Indianapolis offense heading into the year.

Pittman played through most of the season with his back injury. It should come as no surprise that he turned in the worst season since his rookie year as a result, but Pittman still posted a respectable 69-808-3 line over 16 games in a season that proved challenging for all Colts pass catchers. It sounds like some rest and rehab will be all Pittman needs to return healthy for a 2025 season that is already setting up to be a do-or-die year for Anthony Richardson, head coach Shane Steichen, and Ballard.

Pittman posted career numbers in 2023, largely spurred on by Gardner Minshew taking over for an injured Anthony Richardson at quarterback. Minshew peppered him with easy-button targets and the young wideout converted on them to the tune of 109 grabs for 1,152 yards. The breakout season earned Pittman a contract extension and gave fantasy managers hope that he could coexist with Richardson, who struggled to connect with Pittman on layup looks as a rookie. That fear instantly materialized in 2024 with three games under 40 receiving yards to start the season. Pittman finally broke out in Week 4 with 113 yards…in a game that saw Joe Flacco replace an injured Richardson. Pittman topped 63 yards three times over his final 12 games and only posted one additional 100-yard outing, also with Flacco under center. The Colts will presumably keep Flacco or replace him with a similar veteran addition, but Pittman’s inability to get things going when the No. 4 overall pick on the field is more than a little concerning for his 2025 fantasy outlook. The continued breakout of Josh Downs could also move targets away from Pittman, making him a risky fantasy bet for early drafters.

With Joe Flacco back under center, Pittman revived for his second most yards of the season, and first 100-yard effort since Week 4. He was taking advantage of an awful Giants pass defense, but that was something Josh Downs failed to accomplish. Alec Pierce also had a 100-yard afternoon. At the end of a disappointing, injury-plagued campaign, Pittman does have a chance to close strong against the hapless Jaguars in Week 18.