Overview
- The Colts activated wide receiver Alec Pierce from the physically unable to perform list on Thursday, and he returned to the practice field taking part in individual drills as the team begins a staged ramp-up.
- Pierce had a platelet-rich plasma injection that failed to resolve lingering ankle and heel soreness, underwent surgery in March, and has been following training-room targets and data-driven rehab plans during his recovery.
- Coaches and Pierce say Week 1 on Sept. 13 is the goal, but he has not yet joined full-team periods so his availability for the opener is probable but not guaranteed.
- Indianapolis signed Pierce to a four-year, roughly $114 million deal this offseason and traded Michael Pittman Jr., raising the stakes for his return and prompting the club to add veteran Keenan Allen to provide immediate route-running help.
- Pierce is a proven deep threat who posted 1,003 receiving yards in 2025 and led the league in yards per reception in consecutive seasons, so his successful ramp-up would restore the Colts’ downfield weapon and change the team’s target mix.