The Indianapolis Colts swiped a much-needed victory in the AFC’s playoff race Saturday when they pulled away from the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-13.
However, it came with a cost.
Midway through the second quarter, Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was knocked out and concussed by a vicious hit from Steelers cornerback Damontae Kazee. The severity of the hit and Kazee’s track record led the NFL to suspend him for the rest of the regular season.
Emerging from the league’s concussion protocol Friday, Pittman offered a scary description of the hit from his perspective.
“I caught it and then all of a sudden, I woke up and there’s people looking down at me,” Pittman said. “Then I was like, ‘Oh, s—! What just happened?’… I barely even remember it.”
#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. on the illegal hit from #Steelers S Damontae Kazee:
" … I caught it and then all of a sudden, I woke up and there's people looking down at me. Then I was like, 'Oh, shit! What just happened?' … I barely even remember it." https://t.co/3kGToYiq7M
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 22, 2023
Pittman left the contest having recorded four catches for 78 yards. The USC Trojans product has already tied his career high with 99 receptions this season, and is 20 yards away from matching his career high in yardage as well.
Indianapolis, which would be the AFC’s No. 7 playoff seed if the season ended today, is scheduled to visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.