INDIANAPOLIS – The cure to what ailed Michael Pittman Jr. – a fracture in his back – throughout his fifth season might be surgery. An MRI Monday afternoon is expected to determine the necessary course of action. Pittman was asked whether that might involve surgery as the Indianapolis Colts cleaned out their locker room cubicles after their season ended with Sunday’s 26-23 overtime win over Jacksonville. “It definitely is and that’s what the scan can tell us,’’ he said. The injury first occurred during the Colts’ joint practices with the Arizona Cardinals during training camp. The initial scan revealed Pittman has “a little back fracture,’’ he said. “That’s all it was. Just a little thing in there. Just (had) to manage that.’’ The medical staff scheduled subsequent scans every four weeks, but at some point, Pittman decided enough was enough. “I was like, ‘I don’t really care what the scan says. I’m going to play either way,’’’ he said. “There’s so much radiation with the scans . . . so, just save myself come radiation shots.’’ It was mentioned he actually played this season with a broken back. “When you say it like that, makes it sound (bad),’’ Pittman said. “It’s just something you go through. “That’s just what you have to do for the guys. This isn’t a fair-weather sport. Guys like Quenton (Nelson), Jonathan (Taylor), D-Buck (DeForest Buckner), they deserve my best even when maybe I don’t feel up to it.’’ Despite the back injury, Pittman started 14 of 16 games. The only game he missed was the week 10 meeting with Buffalo when his weekly preparation hadn’t progressed as expected. Not surprisingly, Pittman’s bottom line reflected influence of the injury: 69 receptions, 808 yards, three touchdowns. “People are looking at me and it’s like, ‘Why aren’t you playing good?’’’ he said with a smile. “I’m like, ‘I’m trying. I’m trying.’’’ This offseason is about doing whatever necessary to continue to improve. “And for me that’s to heal up and when I’m ready to start training, just hit it hard and focus on things that I’m lacking. “It’s a privilege to play in this league and I don’t take any game lightly. I’m out there because it’s a privilege and I take the game serious. Football is my life. I would really do anything to play each and every game.’’ That type of mentality helped convince general manager Chris Ballard to sign Pittman to a three-year, $68 million contract in March. It included $46 million in guarantees. Buckner smiled in appreciation when Pittman’s situation was mentioned. That’s the type of commitment needed for the Colts to improve on their 8-9 record and contend for the AFC South championship. “One hundred percent,’’ Buckner said. “If Michael Pittman can go out there with a fractured back during the season . . . I told him from the jump, I was like, ‘Man, that’s a tough son of a b----.’ “Pitt is one of those guys who will fight for you.’’ You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.