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Alec Pierce Placed on Injured Reserve
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) is being placed on injured reserve after aggravating his surgically repaired left heel, head coach Shane Steichen said Wednesday, according to James Boyd. Pierce will miss at least four games while he rehabs the injury. Steichen said the Colts are hopeful Pierce can return at some point this season, but there is no firm timetable. Pierce underwent surgery on the ankle/heel in March and missed most of the offseason before returning ahead of Week 1. He caught five passes for 72 yards across the first two games before aggravating the injury Sunday night against Kansas City.
Source: James Boyd
Source: James Boyd
Alec Pierce Hoping to Return in 4-6 Weeks
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) is hoping to return in roughly four to six weeks after getting a second opinion on his heel injury, according to ESPN. Pierce aggravated the same left heel that required surgery in March during Sunday's overtime loss to Kansas City. The current plan is to rehab the injury rather than undergo another procedure, although surgery remains possible if the recovery does not go as hoped. Pierce had one catch for 11 yards before leaving Sunday and has five receptions for 72 yards through two games. The four-to-six-week window is the target for now, but the Colts expect his week-to-week progress to determine whether he needs more time.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
"No Guarantee" Alec Pierce is Able to Return by Midseason
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) left Sunday night's loss to the Chiefs after aggravating a heel injury that had been surgically repaired, and with the fifth-year veteran opting to attempt rehab without another surgery, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport shared on Tuesday that the hope is he'll be able to return by midseason, but "there's definitely no guarantee." Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million deal this offseason but missed most of training camp after the initial surgery and caught four passes in the season opener while working on a limited snap count. While Rapoport praised Pierce for his willingness to return, he did add, "When surgery is a possibility, and you elect to rehab, there's always a chance that it doesn't go great." In Pierce's absence, Josh Downs is a must-roster player, fresh off a seven-catch, 72-yard performance.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Darius Slayton Signing with the Colts
Veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton is signing with the Indianapolis Colts, per Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. The 29-year-old spent his first seven NFL seasons with the New York Giants, but was released by New York following training camp. With his skill set as a downfield threat, Slayton profiles as the replacement for injured Colts wideout Alec Pierce (heel). Pierce suffered a heel injury in Indianapolis' Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that is expected to keep him out for several weeks. Across 14 games (12 starts) with the Giants in 2025, Slayton recorded 37 catches for 538 yards and one touchdown on 63 targets. He has plenty of experience catching passes from Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, as the two played together for six seasons with the Giants. In deeper leagues, Slayton could be worth a look on the waiver wire for fantasy managers.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Alec Pierce Set to Miss "Several Weeks," Could Return Midseason
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) is set to miss "several weeks" after aggravating a heel injury in his team's Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Pierce had surgery on the affected heel over the offseason. However, Rapoport reports that Pierce will now attempt to rehab the injury rather than opt for a second procedure. Pierce recorded four catches for 61 yards on six targets in Indianapolis' Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and one catch for 11 yards against the Chiefs before being forced to leave the game. Pierce was expected to take on a starring role in the Colts' offense after the team handed him a four-year, $114 million contract in March. Without him, Colts wide receiver Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren have a chance to dominate target share in Indianapolis. Veteran wide receivers Keenan Allen, Laquon Treadwell, and the recently signed Darius Slayton could see larger roles as well.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Alec Pierce Aggravates Heel That he Had Surgery On
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) aggravated something in his heel that he had surgery on, and the Colts are still evaluating him after he left Sunday night's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, head coach Shane Steichen told Jake Arthur of Locked On Colts. The Colts are expected to have more information on Pierce's status later in the week. The 26-year-old hobbled off on Sunday night after catching his only target for an 11-yard gain, and he was unable to put any weight on his leg before being carted to the trainer's room in KC. We will have a better idea of Pierce's Week 3 status later in the week, but as of right now, fantasy managers should not be expecting him to be ready to suit up this Sunday at home against the division-rival Houston Texans. Josh Downs will be Indy's top option at wideout if Pierce misses any time, with veteran Keenan Allen becoming an interesting speculative pickup off the waiver wire this week, even though he could be facing a suspension from the NFL. Through the first two games of 2026, Pierce has caught five of his seven targets for 72 yards and zero touchdowns.
Source: Locked On Colts - Jake Arthur
Source: Locked On Colts - Jake Arthur
Keenan Allen Poised for Larger Role in Colts Passing Game?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen had a disappointing game in his team's Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, recording one catch for five yards on five targets. However, the 34-year-old has played a consistent role in his team's offense early in 2026, logging 11 targets through two games. Allen's role may be poised to grow coming out of Week 2, as Colts wideout Alec Pierce (heel) had to leave the team's loss to the Chiefs on a cart after re-aggravating an existing heel injury. While X-rays came back negative on Pierce's left heel, he underwent surgery on his left ankle over the offseason and has been dealing with complications in the area ever since. At this point in his career, Allen does not carry a ton of explosive production upside. However, the veteran wide receiver has always been a consistent target earner, and he could establish himself as a high-floor PPR option for deep-league managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Laquon Treadwell Goes For 61 Yards In Week 2 Loss
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell caught all three of his targets for 61 yards in his team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. The second week of NFL action saw Colts WR Alec Pierce (heel) be pulled from the game with a heel injury, which led to more playing time for Treadwell. The former Minnesota Viking caught a clutch pass late in the game to keep the Colts hopes alive -- he was ruled down by contact after a play in which the ball was punched out of his hands and put on the ground. It's not immediately apparent how much playing time Treadwell will get in Pierce's absence. But he at least appears to be the team's WR3, behind Keenan Allen and Josh Downs, while Pierce is on the sidelines. That could lead to enough usage for him to be startable in deep dynasty leagues. For now, though, the Houston Texans will head to Indianapolis to take on Treadwell's team, meaning a tough challenge against some of the best defensive backs in the NFL awaits.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Keenan Allen Targeted Five Times, Held To One Catch In Week 2 Loss
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen caught just one of his five targets for five yards in a Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Allen has now seen 11 targets across two games, so it's not like he isn't being involved in the game plan. He just has struggled to turn those looks into good production. That comes with the territory of being 34 years old and still playing in the NFL. Allen could have a bigger role in the coming weeks, though, with WR Alec Pierce (heel) struggling with a re-aggravation of the heel injury that bothered him in the offseason. Allen is now a top-2 WR, depth chart-wise at least, in an offense that's depleted of pass-catching weapons. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has thrown an average of just 188 yards per game over the first two contests, meaning there hasn't been much to go around for the team's pass-catchers. Allen moves into borderline WR4 territory for Week 3 against the tough Houston Texans defense. He's likely in his last year in the NFL, and is a shadow of his former self. He could still get enough targets and receptions to be startable in PPR leagues, though.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Downs Busy and Productive In Week 2 Loss
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was targeted nine times in his team's Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He converted those looks into seven catches for 72 yards. It was a refreshing game for him after he only saw four passes go his way in Week 1. He's the primary slot receiver for this team, but doesn't see the field much on 2WR sets, meaning his upside is heavily capped. However, he's likely set to have a bigger role in the near future, as Colts starting WR Alec Pierce (heel) re-injured the heel he struggled with in the offseason. Pierce was likely rushed back into action too soon, meaning Indianapolis could choose to be more cautious with him moving forward. A big role in 2WR sets isn't likely for Downs, though, because he's a diminutive receiver that struggles to block much bigger players on run plays. His ceiling case is more likely as long as Pierce is out, and he could see a high target rate. Downs moves into WR3/flex territory as long as Pierce remains unable to play, and should be rostered in all fantasy leagues. A Week 3 matchup with the Houston Texans might seem tough on paper, but they've struggled the past two weeks. Downs is in good shape to have another nice game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
X-Rays Come Back Negative on Alec Pierce's Heel
X-rays on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce's injured heel came back negative on Sunday evening, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Pierce will be further evaluated on Monday. Pierce's left heel has been bothering him of late, and he looked to be in quite a bit of pain before leaving the Sunday night game early on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. In fact, Pierce had to be carted to the locker room and was quickly ruled out after that. Before leaving, he caught his only target for 11 yards, so he was yet again a disappointment for fantasy managers in Week 2. It is good news that X-rays came back negative, but it does not mean that Pierce will be ready to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Houston Texans next Sunday. Pierce is a big-play threat when healthy, but he has not really been healthy since having cleanup surgery on his ankle back in the spring. If he misses time going forward, Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren will be the biggest beneficiaries in the passing game. Veteran Keenan Allen could play a bigger role as well, but he is also facing a potential suspension for an off-the-field legal issue.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Alec Pierce Will Not Return Against Chiefs with Heel Injury
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) will not return to the Sunday Night Football Game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a heel injury he suffered in the first half, as the team downgraded him from questionable to out. According to James Boyd of The Athletic, Pierce was carted off the field and went back to the locker room. It appeared that Pierce was not able to walk on it. Pierce caught his lone target for 11 yards before exiting. The Colts will rely on wide receivers Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, and Laquon Treadwell, and tight end Tyler Warren, among others, while Pierce is out.
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Keenan Allen Facing a Three-Game Suspension
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen is facing a minimum three-game suspension following his drunk driving arrest last month, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. He reports that there's also a chance the suspension could be for more than three games, which is permitted by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement for scenarios when the player is intoxicated at higher levels. A more severe ban is definitely possible, given that Allen's .224 blood-alcohol level at the scene was more than three times the legal limit. Allen signed with the Colts late in the offseason, slotting into the No. 3 role. He was heavily involved in Week 1, catching six passes for 32 yards. His volume could decrease a little in Week 2 now that Alec Pierce (heel) is fully healthy, but he's still worth considering as a WR3/flex in deeper PPR leagues until he gets suspended.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Josh Downs A Deep-League Starting Option For Week 2 at Chiefs
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs didn't do much in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, catching just two of his four targets for 37 receiving yards and finishing with only 5.7 PPR fantasy points. It's not all doom and gloom, though. The Ravens totally dominated the Colts defense on the ground, and dominated time of possession. Additionally, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon late last offseason, and he's still working his way back to full health. Downs is typically a very efficient receiver on a yards per route basis, though he mostly plays in the slot, meaning he's off the field for 2WR sets while WRs Alec Pierce (heel) and Keenan Allen stay on the field, since they're better blockers. Downs is the third option in this passing offense, after Pierce and tight end Tyler Warren. He can be started in deep PPR leagues for his upside, though he may need some time to get going this season on a struggling offense. He's still a very good short-to-intermediate route runner with excellent change-of-direction ability.
Source: https://www.rotoballer.com/nfl/player/24145/Josh+Downs
Source: https://www.rotoballer.com/nfl/player/24145/Josh+Downs
Alec Pierce A Deep-League Start, Still Working Back From Injury
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) recovered enough from an offseason surgery on his ankle to play in his team's Week 1 contest. He hauled in four of his six targets for 61 yards in that game, totaling 10.1 PPR fantasy points. He's reprising his role as one of the best deep threats in the NFL, as he's averaged over 20 yards per reception each season over the last two seasons. When healthy, he's the clear WR1 for his team, and he's likely to continue to improve as the season goes on. There was a lot of skepticism about his potential return to health this year, as he was held out of practice and visibly limping as recently as a few weeks before the season started. Week 2 presents a difficult matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs defense. Pierce seems to be doing well, though Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is also working back from an injury and will need to be on top of his game for Pierce to have a great day. The fifth-year wideout checks in as a risky WR3/flex in fantasy football for this contest.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
