On Saturday, while the Indianapolis Colts were hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lucas Oil Stadium fell silent after a scary collision on the field. During the second quarter of the game, Gardner Minshew threw a deep pass to wideout Michael Pittman Jr. As Pittman laid out for the catch, Steelers safety Damontae Kazee flew in, hitting Pittman in the neck and head with his shoulder.
Pittman fell to the ground, the stadium went quiet, and both teams dropped to a knee. The referees penalized Kazee for the hit and immediately ejected him from the game. Fortunately, everyone was able to breathe a sigh of relief as Michael Pittman Jr. was able to get up and walk off the field. However, Pittman did have to be evaluated for a concussion and was eventually ruled out the game.
Oh no Michael Pittman…🙏🏻
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 16, 2023
That was a brutal hit.pic.twitter.com/31J2ce5XL5
Michael Pittman Jr. ruled out of game with concussion after scary hit
While the hit left everyone concerned for Pittman’s well-being, there was some pushback about whether Kazee should’ve been ejected. It was pointed out that Kazee led with his shoulder, and since Pittman was essentially laid out trying to make the catch, Kazee didn’t really have any other way to make a play. Regardless, the referees felt that the hit deserved a penalty and an ejection.
Prior to the hit, Pittman had already had four receptions for 78 yards, continuing a stellar season for the fourth-year receiver. Earlier in Saturday’s game, Pittman surpassed 1000 yards on the season. Playing in all 13 games this year, Pittman entered Saturday’s matchup with 95 receptions for 984 yards and four touchdowns.
While Pittman’s health is the main focus, the Colts will now have to finish this must-win game without their No. 1 receiver. Indianapolis already entered the game without Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss sustained an arm injury on a touchdown reception. Still, the Colts entered the half up 14-13 and will get the ball to start the second half.