Colts designate WR Michael Pittman Jr. to return from IR

The Indianapolis Colts designated the return of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the injured reserve list, per the league’s transaction wire on Wednesday.

Pittman Jr. was one of many injured Colts to return to practice on Wednesday even though he won’t show up on the injury report until he’s officially activated from the injured reserve list.

Pittman Jr. has been out since suffering compartment leg syndrome during the Week 3 win over the New York Jets.

The Colts designating the rookie wideout for return is merely a formality that opens the 21-day window to activation. Essentially, the Colts have 21 days to activate Pittman Jr. to the 53-man roster or else he stays on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

Fortunately, the latter isn’t going to happen, barring a setback. The plan was always for Pittman Jr. to return after the team’s Week 7 bye and with that now in the rearview mirror, the second-round pick can return.

The Colts may wait until Saturday to activate him so there’s a chance he doesn’t show up on the injury report at all this week. They did the same thing with defensive tackle Sheldon Day when he returned from the injured reserve list.

With some depth needed at wide receiver, the Colts are hoping to finally get their highly-touted rookie more work on the boundary. In three games, Pittman Jr. has caught nine of 12 targets for 73 yards.

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