RADIO
Alec Pierce Unlikely to Return to Practice This Week
When asked if wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) will have his Injured Reserve practice window opened this week, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said, "most likely not," according to Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated. Pierce has already spent the required four games on IR, but the 26-year-old is not close to a return for the struggling Colts. He aggravated his surgically-repaired left heel in the team's Week 2 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has not played or practiced since. It is getting harder to hold the big-play wideout in shallow fantasy football leagues without a firm timetable for a return, and it is fair to wonder how effective he will be whenever he returns to the team. The former second-rounder led the NFL in yards per catch in both 2024 and 2025, but he was only able to catch five of seven targets for 72 yards and no touchdowns in his two games for the Colts this year before landing on the shelf. With tight end Tyler Warren (groin) missing the last two games, Indy has struggled to move the ball without relying on running back Jonathan Taylor. Josh Downs has been a non-factor, which has led to veteran Keenan Allen being quarterback Daniel Jones' go-to guy in recent weeks. Pierce is now rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jake Arthur
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jake Arthur
Keenan Allen has More Waiver-Wire Appeal With Teammate Injured
Indianapolis Colts veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen certainly does not have the kind of fantasy ceiling that he used to have in his prime, but he has become a more intriguing WR4/flex in deeper leagues with tight end Tyler Warren (groin) missing the last two games. Allen played just over half of the Colts' offensive snaps in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and caught just three passes (three targets), but he led the team with 31 receiving yards (10.3 yards per catch). In last week's loss to the division-rival Tennessee Titans, the 34-year-old caught a season-high eight passes on 11 targets for 82 yards (10.3 yards per reception). With Josh Downs struggling and Alec Pierce (heel) on Injured Reserve for the foreseeable future, Allen has become quarterback Daniel Jones' go-to option in the passing game, especially with Warren nursing a groin injury. The six-time Pro Bowler has caught 29 of his 43 targets through six games for 258 yards and one touchdown. The upside may not be there, but Allen has been consistently targeted by Jones and could once again lead the Colts in receiving in Week 8 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars if Warren misses a third straight game.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Josh Downs Disappoints in Week 7 Loss to Vikings
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught just two passes for 18 yards in a 16-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7. The lackluster effort is just the latest in a non-productive fantasy season for the 25-year-old wideout. The Colts offense struggled overall against Minnesota, with quarterback Daniel Jones completing 13 of 22 pass attempts for 108 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Keenan Allen led the receiving corps with three catches for 31 yards. Sunday's game was another reminder that Downs should not be started in fantasy leagues right now.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Keenan Allen a Solid Wide Receiver Streamer Option in Week 7
Across five games so far in 2026, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen has recorded 26 catches for 227 yards and a touchdown on 40 targets. While the 34-year-old is only averaging 8.7 yards per reception, he's currently seeing eight targets per game. In Week 7, Allen and the Colts will face the fearsome Minnesota Vikings defense. With his ability to win in the short and intermediate areas, Allen could continue his role as the security blanket for Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. Additionally, Indianapolis will be without tight end Tyler Warren (groin) for the second straight week. With Warren sidelined in Week 6, Allen logged eight catches for 82 yards on 11 targets. In leagues where he remains available on the waiver wire, Allen profiles as a high-floor PPR streamer for fantasy managers in Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Downs Remains Bench Material For Brutal Week 7 Matchup
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has not been a productive fantasy wideout this season despite what looked like expanded opportunities for him. He seemed set for more looks in the passing game due to the injuries to Colts WR1 Alec Pierce (heel) and TE1 Tyler Warren (groin). That hasn't come to pass, as he's scored single-digit PPR fantasy points in each of his last three games. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has been unproductive, to be fair, but he's also targeted his outside receivers at a higher rate -- veteran wideout Keenan Allen out-targeted Downs in Week 6, and it's hard to see why that might change. The Vikings should pummel Jones all game with their blitz-heavy scheme -- they've done an amazing job at pressuring opposing signal-callers this year. Downs is shaping up to be a huge fantasy disappointment this year, and should not be in starting lineups anywhere.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Keenan Allen Hard to Trust in Week 7
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen scored 16.2 PPR fantasy points in Week 6 as the clear No. 1 pass-catcher for his team, but he should probably be benched in Week 7 in anticipation of the toughest defensive test (by far) his team will face this season. The Colts will head northwest to face the vicious Minnesota Vikings defense. They've allowed just 27.1 PPR fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, and their blitz-heavy scheme has wrecked opposing offensive game plans all season. Additionally, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has been unproductive this year and has turned the ball over nine times while scoring just five total touchdowns. Allen would normally be a nice PPR-scam style player who catches a lot of passes but doesn't gain a ton of yardage, but in this matchup, it's better to leave him on the bench and look elsewhere for good fantasy football wideout production.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Downs has Not Taken Advantage of Colts' Injuries
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has 42 targets through the first six weeks of the 2026 season, but it has led to only 24 catches for 289 yards and no touchdowns. That qualifies as a disappointment for the 25-year-old, especially since Alec Pierce (heel) is on Injured Reserve, essentially making Downs the Colts' top pass-catcher. Tight end Tyler Warren (groin) also missed the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tennessee Titans, and although Downs saw eight targets from quarterback Daniel Jones, he brought in only four of them for 40 yards and was kept out of the end zone yet again. Downs has finished with under 50 receiving yards in four of his six games so far this year, and his struggles have been amplified by the fact that he has not had a single touchdown catch yet. If the Colts continue to struggle in the coming weeks, Downs could be a candidate to be traded, which could actually be a plus for his rest-of-the-season outlook. Right now, Downs is still rostered in 87% of Yahoo leagues, but his fantasy managers are probably running out of patience. Pierce will not be back this weekend, but Downs faces a tough matchup against the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Josh Downs' Expiring Contract Could Factor Into Colts' Trade Plans
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs could factor into the team's trade-deadline decisions after Monday's firing of general manager Chris Ballard. ESPN identified Downs and Keenan Allen as two players on expiring contracts who could help Indianapolis recoup draft capital, especially after the Colts gave up their 2027 first-round pick in last year's Sauce Gardner trade. Downs, 25, has caught 24 of 42 targets for 289 yards through six games while playing about 81% of the team's offensive snaps. His age and established role make him a potential long-term piece, but the organization has to decide whether to pursue an extension or explore his trade value ahead of the November 10 deadline. No trade negotiations involving Downs have been reported. Allen's situation is also worth watching, as the veteran has caught 26 passes in five games, and moving him could open more targets for Downs if the younger receiver stays in Indianapolis.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Colts Sign Mecole Hardman Jr. to Their Practice Squad
The Indianapolis Colts announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. to their practice squad. The Colts will get extra receiving depth from Hardman with Alec Pierce (heel) still on Injured Reserve and wideouts Ashton Dulin (hamstring) and Anthony Gould (concussion) also banged up. The 28-year-old former second-rounder in 2019 from Georgia has seven years of NFL experience and has caught 178 passes on 259 targets for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns in his 82 regular-season games played (28 starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills. He was released by the Bills at the end of training camp and will now latch on with the Colts as he tries to make their game-day roster. If anything, Hardman could play a role on special teams, but he will be a long shot to return to any kind of fantasy relevance. Hardman played in only two games with Buffalo in 2025 and did not catch his only target.
Source: Colts Communications
Source: Colts Communications
Keenan Allen's Steady Target Volume Boosts Waiver Appeal
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen is getting enough work to matter in PPR leagues, even without a touchdown every week. His 11 targets in Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans were a season high, and he turned them into eight catches for 82 yards, also season bests. Over his past three appearances, Allen has 19 receptions for 190 yards and a touchdown on 29 targets, and he's seen at least nine targets each time. That makes the 34-year-old a worthwhile pickup in 10-team PPR leagues and deeper, with high-end WR4 value and the potential for WR2/WR3 finishes when the volume turns into production. Tight end Tyler Warren (groin) was inactive Sunday, which opened up more opportunities, but Allen had already drawn nine targets in both Week 3 and Week 5. He missed Week 4. Warren's availability will matter as Indianapolis visits Minnesota in Week 7, though Allen has shown he can command looks alongside him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alec Pierce Won't Practice This Week
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) will not return to practice this week as he continues to rehab a heel injury, according to Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. Bowen does not think Pierce will come off Injured Reserve anytime soon. The 26-year-old big-play wideout aggravated his surgically repaired left heel in the Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has not played since. While Pierce might be making progress, he has been slow to recover, and it does not sound like he is close to a return, even though he is technically eligible to come off IR for the team's Week 7 contest this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings. Pierce's big-play abilities downfield make him worth stashing in most fantasy football leagues despite his injury. Until he can return, Josh Downs and veteran Keenan Allen will continue to see more targets, especially if tight end Tyler Warren (groin) misses anymore time. Pierce has led the NFL in yards per catch in each of the last two seasons and had his first 1,000-yard receiving season in 2025.
Source: 107.5 The Fan - Kevin Bowen
Source: 107.5 The Fan - Kevin Bowen
Colts Will Call Peyton Manning About GM Opening
The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, and Dan Patrick's sources have told him that the Colts' first call will be/has been to former quarterback Peyton Manning. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon put both Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen on clear notice back in January, so barring a significant turnaround, the Colts will likely be looking for a new head coach soon, too. It is unclear if Manning has any interest in becoming the franchise's GM, which would include ownership interest in the Colts. Ballard had been Indy's GM since the 2017 season. The Colts have started out 2-4 on the season after just losing to the previously winless Tennessee Titans 26-20 at home on Sunday in Week 6. It could be an enticing offer for Manning with an ownership stake and the ability to pick his own quarterback. The Colts gave QB Daniel Jones an extension in the offseason despite the fact that he was coming off a torn Achilles tendon. Jones has underwhelmed so far through six games, throwing four touchdowns and six interceptions, but he has also been without a key weapon on offense in receiver Alec Pierce (heel). Making things more difficult for the next GM of the Colts is the fact that Indy traded their 2027 first-rounder (10th overall) to the New York Jets last year for cornerback Sauce Gardner. Since former franchise QB Andrew Luck retired before the 2019 season, the Colts have made two playoff appearances (one win) and are now on their seventh different starting QB.
Source: The Dan Patrick Show
Source: The Dan Patrick Show
Laquon Treadwell A Potential High-Volume Option For Week 6
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell's 14 targets combined in his last two games are hard to ignore for fantasy football, though they haven't translated into production that's made him a startable fantasy WR yet. With that much volume, he may seem like a good starting option, but his actual catches resulted in just 9.2 and 5.4 PPR fantasy points in those two contests. A matchup with the Tennessee Titans may seem solid on paper, but it could just as easily lead to a low passing volume day from the Colts. Treadwell's path to success runs through quarterback Daniel Jones, who's still recovering from an Achilles tendon tear from late 2025. The Colts may not have to produce a ton of offense to beat the Titans in Week 6, so Treadwell is a very risky start, especially since he's caught just half the passes thrown his way in Week 5 and Week 6 combined.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Keenan Allen Has WR3 Value In Week 6 vs Titans
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen scored 18.3 and 9.5 PPR fantasy points in his last two outings, and would likely have had double-digit points a second time in Week 5 were his game not cut short by an injury. He's back to full health and will face the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. Allen is 34 years old but still shows sufficient separation ability, and is big enough to play outside receiver and block when he's asked to. The Colts have made it a point to get the ball to their outside receivers and top tight end, with the slot receivers having had disappointing production so far. Allen will have a starting role and play opposite WR Laquon Treadwell, who bounced around teams before being called into regular season action due to the injury to Colts WR1 Alec Pierce (heel). Allen checks in as a WR3/flex in deeper leagues and a start if you're bold enough.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Downs Still Searching For Breakout Game in Week 6
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs just hasn't been a huge part of his team's game plan this season. Even after injuries to WRs Alec Pierce (heel) and Keenan Allen, Downs failed to have any big games this season, and has seen just 10 targets in his last two games combined. He wasn't able to eclipse double-digit PPR fantasy points in either. Despite separating well on film and being a reliable short-to-intermediate option in the passing game, Downs has been quiet for fantasy football this year. Frustratingly, he often takes a back seat to WRs like Laquon Treadwell, which can be infuriating for fantasy managers. The underlying efficiency metrics are encouraging, but they don't mean much when Indy just doesn't look the way of its slot receiver enough. Downs is a risky start due to his low volume this year, and there are better options if you're looking for a good WR3/flex for Week 6.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
