What happened: Alec Pierce returned to Colts practice after spending training camp on active/PUP following March ankle and heel surgery. Josh Allen is set to call Buffalo's plays in a preseason game this week, giving the Bills quarterback an offensive-coordinator turn.

Why it matters: Indianapolis must move Pierce off active/PUP by Sunday at 6 p.m. or he would miss at least four regular-season games. New England's Sept. 9 opener leaves limited time to complete Gonzalez's deal, while Allen's assignment tests his command of Buffalo's offense.

What to watch: Pierce's workload in his first practices back will show how quickly he can resume full team work.