NFL

Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. out for multiple weeks with back injury

The Colts’ aerial attack has improved with Joe Flacco under center, but it’ll probably regress in wake up this injury. Pittman Jr., per usual, has been an effective option in the passing game, recording 22 receptions for 238 yards and a touchdown through five games. However, the 27-year-old hasn’t built on his career-best 2023 campaign, when posted 1,152 receiving yards.

Without Pittman Jr., Indianapolis will continue to lean on Josh Downs and Alec Pierce, who are both having breakout seasons. Additionally, it might be time for Adonai Mitchell to see extended snaps. The rookie hasn’t fared as well as Downs or Pierce, though.

NBA

Mavericks SG Dante Exum out for three months with right wrist injury

Exum finally — finally! — came into his own last season, his first with Mavericks. After years of inconsistency following being selected No. 5 overall in 2014, the guard found a suitable role within Dallas’ rotation, even if he struggled during the franchise’s march to the Finals. In 2024, Exum averaged 7.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy should all benefit from more playing time in wake of Exum being out. Dinwiddie regressed last season, especially in 28 games with the Lakers, so it’ll be interesting to monitor if he can return to form at 31 years old.

MLB

Tigers 3, Guardians 0

Back in the summer, who had the Tigers — one win away from the ALCS — here? Not me. Detroit has a crew of players going trial by fire in getting a taste of the postseason, but they’re coming through. Almost all of them. A.J. Hinch deserves loads of credit, too, with his handling of the team’s pitching staff, mixing and matching each piece perfectly.

If you’re looking for an example of Hinch’s excellence this postseason — and really for the latter part of the regular season — look no further than his bullpen usage yesterday. Detroit started Keider Montero, but used the right-hander for just an inning, leading to five additional pitchers combining to shutout an ice-cold Cleveland offense.

Ice-cold the Guardians are, and they’re running out of mulligans, down 2-1 in this best-of-five series. Perhaps more than anything, Cleveland needs Jose Ramirez to get going, as the third baseman is batting just .111 in this series after a 0-for-3 day yesterday.