Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is looking to take over as the team’s WR1 as early as the 2021 season, and some believe he’s on the verge of a breakout.
After a solid rookie season that was slowed by injury, Pittman Jr. impressed the Colts enough to make them believe he can lead the room one day. Whether that day comes in 2021 remains to be seen, but the Colts have faith he can be their alpha wide receiver.
In the eye of Josh Edwards of CBS Sports, Pittman Jr. is a breakout candidate for the 2021 season among second-year players.
Pittman averaged 7.9 yards per reception during the first four games of the season. He averaged 14.7 yards per reception for the rest of the season. The California native is expected to be a primary weapon for Carson Wentz. With that being said, he has only one touchdown reception in his Colts career. T.Y. Hilton is scheduled to hit free agency, so his departure could lead to more opportunities.
Pittman Jr. flashed some of that intriguing talent during the second half of the season. He missed three games in the first half after suffering leg compartment syndrome and it took a few weeks to get back into the groove of things upon his return.
But the rookie had a breakout game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 10 when he recorded seven receptions for 101 yards in a 34-17 win on the road. He followed that up against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11 with a 3-66-1 line, which included the only touchdown of his rookie campaign.
With Carson Wentz expected to be the starting quarterback, Pittman Jr. will have the chance to be his top target in 2021. That target share combined with his talent could lead to a breakout for the young wide receiver.
