Colts Hopeful Alec Pierce Can Return to Practice This Week

The Colts could be getting their highest-paid receiver back on the practice field soon, with head coach Shane Steichen saying Tuesday that the team is hopeful Alec Pierce can return to practice later this week.

Pierce has spent all of training camp on the Active/PUP list while recovering from ankle and heel surgery he underwent in late March. While he will not practice Tuesday, Steichen said Pierce is in a “really good spot” as he continues working toward his return.

The Colts have also not discussed keeping Pierce on the PUP list when the roster is cut to 53 players. If Pierce remained on PUP at that point, he would be required to miss at least the first four games of the season.

That appears increasingly unlikely with Indianapolis hoping to have him back at practice this week.

Pierce is coming off the best season of his NFL career. He recorded 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns across 15 games in 2025 before signing a 4-year, $114M extension with Indianapolis in March.

With Week 1 approaching, getting Pierce back on the practice field would be a major step toward having him available for the start of the regular season.

The Colts open their season against the Ravens on September 13.