NFLSep 26
Colts put Alec Pierce on injured reserve, target return this season
Pierce faces at least four games out with a recurring heel problem as Indianapolis adds receiving options around Daniel Jones.
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Rehab remains the plan
The Indianapolis Colts moved Alec Pierce to injured reserve Saturday after the receiver aggravated his heel injury in the overtime defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. The designation rules him out for at least four games, making Oct. 25 at the Minnesota Vikings his earliest possible return. Pierce exited late in the first quarter Sunday and could not bear weight on his left leg. His latest setback follows surgery in March and a recovery that kept him out throughout the preseason. He played a limited role in Week 1 before his Week 2 appearance ended after only a few plays. After consulting multiple physicians, Pierce and the Colts are pursuing rehabilitation with the aim of getting him back this season. Surgery has not been discussed by those physicians so far.
Indianapolis reshapes its receiver group
Pierce's absence removes a major downfield option. He has topped the NFL in yards per catch in each of the past two seasons, but played only 41% of Indianapolis' offensive snaps across the opening two weeks. With Pierce limited, Daniel Jones is averaging 6.1 yards per attempt, down from his career-best 8.1 last season. The Colts have added several receivers as they prepare to face the Houston Texans on Sunday. Veteran Darius Slayton signed earlier this week, while Anthony Gould joined the roster from the practice squad Saturday. Indianapolis also elevated Nick Westbrook-Ikhine from the practice squad for the Houston matchup.
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