The Indianapolis Colts continue to navigate through injuries as the second week of the NFL preseason begins.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday that veteran wide receiver Alec Pierce is considered “day-to-day” with a groin injury sustained during practice over the weekend. While the injury forced Pierce to exit Sunday’s session early, it does not appear to be serious, offering some relief to the Colts’ receiving corps.
“#Colts WR Alec Pierce is considered day-to-day with a groin injury, per source. Suffered the injury at practice over the weekend but ddoes not appear serious.”
Pierce didn’t play in the Colts’ Week 1 Preseason matchup with the Baltimore Ravens on August 7, but showed up to Sunday’s practice with a strong performance before exiting “midway through,” per Joel A. Erickson of the IndyStar.
Colts’ WR Depth Takes Hit as They Manage Pierce’s Recovery
The Colts are looking to lean more heavily on the passing game this season, and Pierce is a huge part of that.
Pierce was drafted by the Colts in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and has steadily developed into a reliable target. Known for his route-running and YAC ability, Pierce has posted three consecutive 500-plus yard campaigns and averaged 22.3 yards per reception in 16 appearances last season.
His ability to stretch the field and create separation makes him an important weapon for any of the team’s quarterbacks. With his injury status in flux, the Colts must lean on their other receivers like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Adonai Mitchell to fill the void.
WR3 Options Behind Pierce
Additionally, the Colts have young players further down the depth chart pushing for snaps. The coaching staff has been emphasizing versatility and preparation across the roster, preparing backups Anthony Gould, Coleman Owen and Landon Parker to step up if needed.
Veteran Ashton Dulin has also looked like a promising target in training camp, as well as last week against the Ravens. He led the Indianapolis air attack with three receptions for 54 yards in the 24-16 Week 1 loss.
Owen put together an intriguing debut in Baltimore, hauling in 4-of-6 passes for 18 yards.
While the groin injury appears manageable, any missed practice time for Pierce could disrupt the offensive timing with Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard.
“I think it started with me changing my process just in terms of how I treated it every day and attacked each day,” Pierce told CBS Sports over the phone during Colts organized team activities (OTAs), per Garrett Podell. “I think I kind of realized how important every play is, every practice. You’re basically under a microscope, you’re auditioning every single day, so I kind of realized and treated everything like it was the game because it really is the game. If you go out here, today we have an OTAs practice and if I go out there and I make a play on a route, they’re more likely to dial me up for the game and throw me that route and vice versa.”
The Colts will continue to monitor Pierce closely in the coming days. If he can return quickly to full practice, it will boost the offense’s preparation and keep the receiving unit healthy heading into the regular season. Conversely, an extended absence could force adjustments and put additional strain on other targets.
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