Colts WR Alec Pierce Facing Extended Absence With Heel Setback

Indianapolis expects Alec Pierce to miss multiple weeks after re-aggravating a heel injury, with rehab planned first and a midseason return possible.

Indianapolis wide receiver Alec Pierce is set for a lengthy absence after aggravating a heel injury that had been fixed surgically earlier this year. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that the receiver will try rehabilitation rather than immediately undergoing another procedure, and a stint on injured reserve is expected while he recovers.

The timeline points to several weeks on the sideline, with a return around the middle of the season possible if rehab goes smoothly. However, Rapoport noted that avoiding a second surgery is not assured, and another operation could still happen if the recovery stalls.

The setback continues a frustrating pattern for Pierce, who had heel and ankle soreness during the 2025 season and went under the knife in March. He opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list, was activated just before Week 1, and saw a limited workload in the opener.

Pierce is coming off a career-best 2025 in which he posted 1,003 yards on 47 receptions and topped the league in yards per catch for a second straight year. Indianapolis signed him to a four-year extension during the offseason, and Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and the rest of the receiver room will need to carry a heavier load in his absence.