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Colts Get Good News on $114 Million Man Alec Pierce
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has been sidelined all offseason, missing OTAs, minicamp, and the start of training camp after landing on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Pierce underwent surgery on his left ankle in March for an injury suffered last season, and Indianapolis has taken a cautious approach since. But with the 2026 season now just over two weeks away, it's fair to say Colts fans were starting to get worried.
Fans don't have to be worried any longer. Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Tuesday that, while Pierce won't be at practice that day, the Colts are "hopeful" that he'll return later this week. Steichen also added that the team hasn't talked about keeping Pierce on the PUP list after the roster cutdown deadline — a good sign that he's progressed well and should be ready to go for Week 1.
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Pierce is coming off a breakout 2025 season with the Colts, hauling in 47 receptions for a team- and career-high 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, averaging a league-leading 21.3 yards per catch. It was his first 1,000-yard season, showing what he can do with more opportunities.
And the Colts clearly felt strongly enough about Pierce after his breakout year to make him their WR1. On March 9, the Colts signed the 6-foot-3 wideout to a four-year, $114 million deal, including $84 million in total guarantees. With an average annual salary of $28.5 million, he instantly became one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL . Then a few days later, they traded Michael Pittman Jr., long their WR1, to the Steelers. It's a clear bet on Pierce becoming the focal point of the offense.
With the ankle injury potentially now behind him, he can headline a receiving corps alongside Josh Downs and veteran newcomer Keenan Allen. The Colts open the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13, at home against the Ravens, and it's beginning to look like Daniel Jones will have his full array of weapons for that game.
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