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NFL·INJURY·September 7, 2026 03:38 PM ET

Alec Pierce set to play Colts' opener against Ravens

March ankle surgery cost him the entire preseason.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 71 min read
Post on X
There wasn't really any doubt about this, but Colts coach Shane Steichen reiterates that WR Alec Pierce is right on trac Via @HolderStephen on X

What happened: Pierce returned to full practice Thursday after opening training camp on the active/PUP list. Indianapolis activated him Aug. 27, providing more than two weeks to ramp up for Week 1.

Why it matters: The Colts regain the NFL's two-time reigning yards-per-catch leader for a home matchup with Baltimore. Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million extension in March, increasing the importance of his downfield role in 2026.

By the numbers: Pierce caught 47 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, averaging an NFL-best 21.3 yards per reception. He became the first receiver since 2010 to surpass 1,000 yards on fewer than 50 catches.

What to watch: Pierce's snap count and usage Sunday will indicate how quickly Indianapolis plans to restore his full workload.

Sources

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NFLInjuryIndianapolis ColtsBaltimore RavensAlec Pierce
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