Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. endured a serious-looking hit this past week against the Pittsburgh Steelers when safety Damontae Kazee hit Pittman’s helmet with his own.
The play led to the ejection and a season-long suspension for Kazee for repeated player safety violations, while Pittman suffered a concussion that left his status uncertain for Week 16.
Pittman eventually cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol in time to play against Atlanta Falcons this weekend.
While Pittman said he didn’t think Kazee intended to hurt him and was sad to hear he got suspended for the hit, Pittman did recognize that that type of tackling should not be allowed in the NFL.
“I think it’s the pure grace of God that I was able to get up and walk.” -Michael Pittman Jr after his brutal hit in the Steelers game.
He says he was head-hunted by Damontae Kazee but didn’t believe the intent was to impose a life changing or serious injury. #Colts pic.twitter.com/pjFMadxN9Q
— Brett Bensley (@brettbensley) December 22, 2023
Pittman is in the midst of a career year with the Colts: He’s already tied his career-high with 99 receptions and also has his second 1,000-yard season with four touchdown receptions.
He’s developed a connection as Gardner Minshew’s top target in the offense and has five consecutive games with at least 75 receiving yards.
The big hit could have taken Pittman out for longer than just a few practices, which would have greatly affected Indianapolis’ playoff hopes.
The upcoming game with the Falcons could decide their fate as well, with them hanging onto the No. 7 seed in the playoffs by a few tiebreakers.
The post Colts WR Makes His Thoughts Clear On Big Hit From Steelers Defender appeared first on The Cold Wire.