Following the regular season finale against Jacksonville, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman told reporters that an upcoming scan would reveal whether or not he would need surgery on his back this offseason.

That, however, will not be necessary, said general manager Chris Ballard on Friday.

“No, he will not need surgery,” Ballard said. “He’s one tough dude though. Pitt’s the example of what you want. Here’s a guy that all season had to battle through this but sacrificed for the betterment of the team.”

Pittman had played through a back injury for the entire season. As he detailed recently, he started feeling the back pain during the Colts’ joint practice with Arizona back in August.

A scan a few weeks later revealed that he had a fracture. Initially it was reported that the injury was going to land Pittman on injured reserve, but he instead decided to play through it.

From that point on, Pittman’s status was considered week to week and his availability was dependent upon he was feeling. However, he would end up missing just one game during the season.

Pittman would finish the 2023 season catching 69 passes for 808 yards with three touchdowns. The Colts’ final two games of the season were two of Pittman’s best, with him totaled 181 yards on 15 receptions with one score against the Giants and the Jaguars.

“You’ve gotta be able to sacrifice,” said Ballard about winning, “and Pitt did. Pitt made a great sacrifice for the team this year continuing to fight and play through injury.”