Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard set the record straight about wide receiver Alec Pierce on Tuesday.
On Monday, multiple outlets reported that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce got a second platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shot in late June to aid in the recovery of his left ankle, which underwent surgery in March.
On Tuesday, before the Colts' joint practice in Foxborough, Mass., with the New England Patriots, Colts general manager Chris Ballard spoke to the on-site media and clarified Pierce's situation.
“I just want to clear up the confusion on Alec and give you all the timeline," Ballard said, per The Athletic's James Boyd. "So, Alec had PRP at the end (of the season) in January, trying to clear up some of the soreness, which is normal... But no second injection.”
While Pierce is on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list and has yet to suit up since training camp began on July 29, he was seen working out with a trainer during practice for the first time, which is a positive sign.
Pierce had dealt with pain in his left ankle since late in the 2024 season. He played through it during 2025, and after an initial PRP shot in January, right after the season, didn't have the effect they'd hoped, Pierce had surgery in March. Per FOX59's Mike Chappell, the surgery was actually on Pierce's ankle and heel.
Because of the recovery, Pierce has not practiced for the Colts this offseason after signing a new four-year, $114 million contract in early March. While there is still no firm timeline as to when Pierce will return to the field, Ballard says the team still expects he'll be ready for the Week 1 home opener on Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Throughout his four-year career, Pierce has been used primarily as a downfield threat. He's never been the focal point of the passing game, though, as his career-high 84 pass targets in 2025 ranked fourth on the Colts, and he's never finished higher than third. However, the plan moving forward after trading away Michael Pittman Jr. is for Pierce to become the top option in the Colts' passing game.
While Pierce will maintain some of his downfield role, he'll incorporate much more of the short-to-intermediate routes that Pittman had in his repertoire once he returns. That means he'll need more practice time to develop the full route tree.
In Pierce's absence, the Colts have leaned on receiver Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren to carry the passing game, while receivers Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine soak up increased roles as well.
While Pierce remains on the PUP list until he can return, Downs (groin) missed the last two practices, while Treadwell (hamstring) missed the last three.
Both Downs and Treadwell returned to practice on Tuesday against the Patriots.
