What happened: Pierce is recovering from ankle surgery performed in March after playing through pain last season. His recovery window was set at four to six months.
Why it matters: The absence delays his first camp work as Indianapolis' No. 1 receiver. Active/PUP permits a preseason return, but a move to Reserve/PUP after the roster cut would require at least a four-game absence.
By the numbers: A late-March procedure and four-to-six-month recovery window put the estimated range from late July to late September.
What to watch: The Colts can activate Pierce from Active/PUP at any point during the preseason. His status before the Aug. 30 roster cut will determine whether he carries an absence into the regular season.