‘Not This Week’: Daniel Jones Draws the Line on Supporting Former Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr.

October 8, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

Michael Pittman Jr. will face the Indianapolis Colts, the franchise that drafted him and where he has played since 2020, this Sunday. Fresh reports claim that Pittman would not play in the game against his former teammates and head coach. But chances are high that he would travel with the team.

Some of the familiar faces whom Pittman would find at the opposing sideline have already spoken ahead of the event. These previews agree on one thing: both Pittman and the Colts still hold each other in very high esteem. However, in his response, Colts QB Daniel Jones had to draw the line on his support for Pittman.

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What Daniel Jones Said About Michael Pittman Jr. Ahead of Sunday’s Clash

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) at press conference after the 2026 NFL London Games against the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Colts’ head coach, Shane Steichen, clarified that he still holds Pittman in high regard. He added that he was anxious to exchange pleasantries with Pittman ahead of the clash. The Colts traded Pittman to the Steelers this offseason in a minor shakeup that cost the Colts a first-round pick and extended Alec Pierce’s contract. Jones has also opened up on the game and what it means to them.

“It’ll be a little bit different. Great teammate, great friend. Was a big part of our team last year. I’m pulling for him normally. Not this week. But, yeah, it’ll be different to see him on the other side.”

Colts QB Daniel Jones has nothing but love for Michael Pittman Jr: “It’ll be a little bit different. Great teammate, great friend. Was a big part of our team last year. I’m pulling for him normally. Not this week. But, yeah, it’ll be different to see him on the other side.”…
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) October 8, 2026

The Colts drafted Michael Pittman in the second round in 2020. Throughout his time with the Colts, he caught 485 passes for 5,254 yards and 25 touchdowns, including 7 from Jones last year. That was his career high, and so far, Jones has only thrown three touchdown passes this season. As of this report, Pittman has only had 7 catches for 89 yards so far for the Steelers.

The Steelers traded for Pittman in the bid to get a WR2. Although Pittman costs little in trade compensation, he gets a decent paycheck on payday. He has already missed one game and is reportedly suffering from a foot injury. Neither he nor the Steelers wished for such a start. Yet, chances are that seeing his former teammates might rejuvenate him even more.

The Steelers’ receiving corps has yet to impress appropriately this season. DK Metcalf has made some strides in the second season, catching his first touchdown pass of the year and then registering his first 100-yard game. Roman Wilson has made some decent plays and recorded a couple of touchdowns.

But there is plenty of time for Pittman to catch up, especially as his health allows. And he will no doubt have time to catch up with old teammates, like Colts’ tight end Tyler Warren.

Reunions and injuries aside, chances are high that Pittman would be excited to find his team ousting the team that traded him only to avoid his salary on Sunday.

‘Not This Week’: Daniel Jones Draws the Line on Supporting Former Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr.

What Daniel Jones Said About Michael Pittman Jr. Ahead of Sunday’s Clash

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