Steichen Optimistic About Pierce's Return

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Tuesday that wide receiver Alec Pierce may return to practice later this week, though he will not practice that day. The news offers a positive sign for a player who has been sidelined all offseason after undergoing ankle surgery, missing OTAs, minicamp, and the start of training camp after being placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

"We're hopeful," Steichen told reporters, according to Newsweek. The coach also noted that the team has not had conversations about keeping Pierce on the PUP list to start the season, a signal that the Colts expect him available for the early part of the schedule.

The update follows a period of uncertainty. Pierce underwent surgery on his left ankle in March for an injury suffered last season. According to NBC Sports, The Athletic's James Boyd reported that Pierce will miss the entirety of the Colts' training camp program, leaving him roughly one month to resume practicing and ramp up for Week 1 against the Ravens. One report indicated Pierce required a second PRP injection in his left ankle, a detail that has not been confirmed by the team.

When asked for a timeline on Pierce's return, Steichen responded, "No, not right now," adding, "His rehab's going great, I'll say that. ... I don't have the timetable on his return."

General manager Chris Ballard had said nine days earlier that Pierce was a "week or two" from returning, a projection that now appears optimistic given Steichen's more cautious comments. The recovery period has extended well beyond the initial estimates, with the receiver facing a four-to-six-month recovery after surgery in late April, according to one report. On April 20, Ballard had said Pierce was looking at a three-month recovery.

A High-Stakes Investment

Pierce, 26, signed a four-year, $114 million deal with the Colts in March, with $84 million in total guarantees and an average annual salary of $28.5 million, according to Newsweek. (One report cited the figure as $116 million, though the $114 million figure appeared in multiple accounts.) The contract came after the Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers, signaling the team's intent to make Pierce their primary receiver.

The investment reflects Pierce's breakout 2025 season, in which he caught 47 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games, averaging a league-leading 21.3 yards per catch. Pierce, who operated primarily as a downfield threat, was expected to diversify his route tree for a larger offensive role this season. With Pierce sidelined, Josh Downs is expected to serve as the team's No. 1 wideout to start the season, alongside veteran newcomer Keenan Allen.

Pierce's target rate last year was 17.4%, trailing Josh Downs (22.2%) and Tyler Warren (21.1%), according to NBC Sports, suggesting room for a bigger role if fully recovered.

The Colts open the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13, at home against the Ravens.

Other Injury Updates

Steichen also noted that cornerback Charvarius Ward will return to practice on Tuesday after being sidelined by a back issue, according to NBC Sports.

The Colts have not officially announced their training camp dates; last year's camp ran from July 23 to August 14.