RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesINDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 11: Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) watches a drill during the Indianapolis Colts Minicamp on June 11, 2026 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Colts will open training camp with two important players on the physically unable to perform list.
Wide receiver Alec Pierce and rookie linebacker CJ Allen have both been placed on the PUP list as Indianapolis begins camp. The designation means both players are not ready to practice at the start of camp, although players on the active/PUP list can be activated at any time before the regular season.
Pierce’s status is not a major surprise. He underwent an ankle cleanup procedure earlier this offseason after dealing with the issue during the 2025 season, and Colts head coach Shane Steichen previously said the team expected him back “at some point in training camp.” Pierce explained in June that the ankle worsened late last season and eventually required surgery after a PRP injection did not solve the problem.
The Colts have maintained that the injury is not expected to create long-term issues. General manager Chris Ballard said in April that Pierce’s recovery timeline was around three months and that the team did not expect any long-term implications from the procedure.
Still, this is worth monitoring because Pierce is expected to play a major role in the offense. He is coming off the best season of his career, crossing the 1,000-yard mark while again giving Indianapolis a true vertical presence. Missing early camp reps is not ideal, especially with Daniel Jones back as the full-time starter and needing timing with his receivers off his Achilles injury. Pierce does not need every summer rep to know his role, but this offense needs its top weapons available as soon as possible so there is less gelling needed later in the summer.
Allen’s placement is a little more notable because he is a rookie and needs the practice time. The Colts drafted him to play early, and there is a clear path for him to earn a major role in the defense. Linebacker is one of the spots where Indianapolis needs quick growth, and Allen’s athleticism and college experience at Georgia made him one of the rookies most likely to contribute right away.
That is why even a short absence matters. A veteran can miss a few practices and catch up quickly. A rookie linebacker needs the installation periods, the communication reps, and the live-speed adjustments that come with camp. If Allen is activated soon, this probably becomes a minor note. If it lingers, it could affect how quickly he pushes for a starting job.
For now, there is no reason to panic. The active/PUP list is often used cautiously at the start of camp, and neither player is automatically at risk of missing regular-season time. However, the Colts need Pierce healthy for the passing game and Allen ready to compete in a defense that should have early snaps available for him.
This is not a major setback yet. It is an early camp storyline worth watching.
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