He had been absent from team practices since December due to a season-ending ankle injury. Returning this week, it remains uncertain whether he envisions a future with the Colts following his trade request this summer amid contract disagreements.
“I don’t think it matters whether I say I’m committed or not, because I’m here,” stated Michael Pittman Jr. , who missed most of training camp.
“If someone wasn’t committed, they wouldn’t be here. And right now, I’m here, and my main goal is to attack this first practice. It’s been over 290 days, I believe Michael Pittman Jr. selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, is in the final year of his four-year, $7.8 million rookie contract and was set to earn a $4.3 million base salary this season.
He declined to discuss the possibility of a contract extension on Thursday. “I’m not here to talk about contracts,” he said. “Those discussions happened over the offseason, but now it’s the season. We’ve got the Tennessee Titans up next. It’s a divisional matchup. What more can you ask for?”
The Colts activated Michael Pittman Jr. from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, allowing them 21 days to add him to the active roster.
Coach Shane Steichen mentioned that Taylor could potentially play against the Titans on Sunday. Reports from Indianapolis suggest that tensions between Michael Pittman Jr. and the front office have eased, but Taylor emphasized that his health was the primary factor in his return to the team.
“The biggest change is that I’m finally able to step onto the field,” he said. “As I mentioned, it’s a significant day. It’s huge.”
Last season, Taylor rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns in 11 starts. The All-Pro selection from 2021 has accumulated 4,643 scrimmage yards and scored 36 touchdowns in 43 career games (41 starts).
Through four games this year, Zack Moss leads the Colts in rushing with 280 yards and one touchdown on 66 carries, while rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has rushed for 131 yards and four touchdowns.
Currently, the Colts are tied for first place in the AFC South, alongside every other team in the division, with a 2-2 record.
