INDIANAPOLIS — The time has finally come for Michael Pittman Jr. to take a break.

The Indianapolis Colts’ top wide receiver has been playing through a significant back injury for weeks. He’s had a limited practice schedule while trying to navigate pain management, rehab and another quarterback transition.

This week the load finally became too heavy.

After Pittman did not participate in all three practices, head coach Shane Steichen announced Friday he’s been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

“I mean, he’s been battling like crazy,” Steichen told reporters at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. “We’re taking this thing week-to-week. Like I’ve said before, (he’s) one of the toughest guys (I’ve) ever been around.”

That means injured reserve is not in the picture yet.

Pittman has declined to get into specifics with the injury, but he did tell the media earlier this week the level of pain and discomfort has fluctuated throughout this ordeal.

This was the first time he’s missed an entire week of practice.

“I mean, I feel — like with everybody — some days are really good,” Pittman said. “And some days you wake up, you’re like, ‘Oh, here we go.’ ”

His struggles on the field have been more evident in recent weeks.

Pittman’s fourth-quarter touchdown catch provided the game-winning points against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 13, but he’s had just two catches on 10 targets over the past two weeks.

Teammates have appreciated the effort Pittman’s put fourth to stay on the field as long as he has.

“He’s been going through this injury for a minute, so the fact that he was playing up to this point, it’s kind of miraculous,” wide receiver Josh Downs said. “But he’s still been a good teammate. He’s been here in the meetings with us, giving us pointers and stuff. So he’s still up with us all the time.”

Pittman’s impact goes well beyond receiving yards.

He takes pride in blocking for the running game, and he was named a captain this season for the first time.

But his absence will open more opportunities for others in the wide receiver room this week — chief among them, rookie Adonai Mitchell and special-teams ace Ashton Dulin.

Mitchell is fourth on the team with 140 receiving yards on 12 receptions, but he played just five snaps during last week’s loss at Minnesota. Only tight end Will Mallory (three) and running back Tyler Goodson (one) played fewer offensive snaps.

That number should change significantly Sunday.

“He’s been stepping up,” Steichen said. “Each week he’s improving, so (I’m) looking forward to (watching) him this week. Obviously, he’ll be out there, but he’s done a nice job. He’s preparing the right way and looking forward to his opportunity.”

Dulin has just two catches this season, but one went 54 yards for a touchdown. He’s also carried the ball four times for 38 yards and remains a very valuable member of the special teams units.

“I mean, he’s a guy that just works,” Steichen said. “He puts his head down and works. He’s a great special teams player for us, and when he’s had his opportunities offensively, he’s taken advantage of that. So (I’m) looking forward to that (receiver) group as a whole.”

PRAISE FOR AR

Video emerged during the week of Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell seeking out Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson after the game to deliver some words of encouragement.

Asked by media in Minnesota on Friday about the exchange, O’Connell said it was about more than just football.

“It was probably a tough week on him,” O’Connell said. “I just felt like, in that moment, I wanted to make sure I sought him out and just let him know … how much I know that organization still believes in him.”

Richardson has made just 10 starts since being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but Indianapolis has said his benching is not a sign the organization is giving up on the 22-year-old.

Multiple reports Tuesday indicated teams inquired about Richardson’s availability at the trade deadline and were told he was off limits.

“Quarterback journeys are what they are, and every single one of them has their own story,” O’Connell said. “And I just felt like if I can have an opportunity to just let him know how I feel about him – and not only him and where he’s at now but where I think he’s going in the future — I thought it was a good moment to tell him that.

“I’m just a big fan, and if you have something to say to uplift somebody else, you might as well say it and not keep it to yourself.”

INJURY REPORT

Pittman was the only player listed with a game status designation for the Colts.

Wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) was ruled out for Buffalo.

The Bills listed wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist), fullback Reggie Gilliam (hip) and linebacker Baylon Spector (calf) as questionable.