Michael Pittman Jr. also knows the best way to shorten that learning curve. Put in as much work as possible.

“That extra time is going to start paying off in Week 6, and through Week 12, and all the way through 16 weeks,” Pittman said. “That’s when I feel like I’m going to see the extra work pay off.”

The good news is that Pittman has proven he has enough talent and toughness to help the Colts in the meantime anyway.

Pittman injured his toe last week, injured it badly enough that he was a game-time decision on Sunday. At least one report said it was unlikely Pittman would play. Not only did the rookie play, he was in the game on 67 of the offense’s 73 snaps, more than any other skill position player. With Parris Campbell out with a PCL injury and no timetable to return, Pittman has a chance to emerge perhaps sooner. Pittman had a 4-37-0 line but did have some miscommunication with QB Philip Rivers, the story added.

Michael Pittman Jr. is a lock to make the roster. The question for him is whether he will be in the starting lineup. The odds of that happening seem decent, especially because Pittman’s role in the offense is very specific and not as interchangeable as some of the other receivers. But the Colts will use a rotation at receiver and also will make heavy use of their tight ends. That will impact how many snaps Pittman ultimately plays.

Pittman hasn't been flashy but at the same time has lived up to expectations so far. Pittman has been on the receiving end of a lot of short, quick passes from QB Philip Rivers so he seems to have a set role in the offense right now. He's a big target for the X receiver spot.