Indianapolis holds its nerve on Pierce
Alec Pierce still sits on the physically unable to perform list, but the Colts say the alarm bells can stay quiet. General manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday that the wide receiver’s recovery from offseason foot surgery is on schedule and that he remains on target for Week 1.
Ballard spoke ahead of joint workouts with the Patriots in Foxboro and used the moment to clear up the medical picture. Pierce took a platelet-rich plasma injection in January to calm soreness in the heel and ankle, then needed surgery in March. No second procedure followed, Ballard said, pushing back on published reports.
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Why the Colts are invested
The stakes explain the patience. Indianapolis handed Pierce a four-year, $114 million contract and traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh, a clear signal about who now leads this receiver room. Pierce rewarded the first part of that bet in 2025 with 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, and he has averaged 18.7 yards per reception across four seasons since arriving as a second-round pick in 2022.
He traveled to New England and worked with the rehab group, handling conditioning and individual drills rather than full practice. Josh Downs, nursing a groin issue, is on a similar track back.
No shortcuts wanted
Receivers coach Reggie Wayne made clear he is in no hurry to rush a half-fit version onto the field. “We know what he means to our room. I just want him whenever he’s 100%,” Wayne said. “I don’t want him at 80, I don’t want him at 85.” The Colts open the preseason Thursday night at New England, with Pierce set to watch and wait.
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