Alec Pierce, a rookie wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, is currently in concussion protocol after his debut NFL game.
On Wednesday, the Indianapolis Colts announced that rookie wide receiver, Alec Pierce, is in concussion protocol. In Pierce’s debut game against the Houston Texans, he was the victim of a big hit that was penalized for unnecessary roughness and did get immediately checked out on the sideline. However, Pierce re-entered the game and played until the end.
Head coach Frank Reich told the media that Pierce’s concussion symptoms came after the conclusion of Sunday’s game and that’s when the team put him in concussion protocol. It’s unclear if Pierce will be cleared to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but if he’s not, it would be unfortunate for the Colts who need as much help as possible at receiver, and also unfortunate for Pierce who’s probably eager to move past his disappointing debut.
Alec Pierce waiting to return with Colts
In his first official game as a professional, Pierce’s first target came when he was open in the end zone and he dropped the pass. He was targeted again in the end zone but fellow rookie, Derek Stingley Jr., made a phenomenal play to break the pass up. Pierce’s other target came on the play where he received the big hit. Although he did drop the pass, the target or drop wasn’t registered because of the defensive penalty.
While this kind of nightmare debut could do damage to a young player’s confidence, Colts fans should be relieved to know that Pierce isn’t shaken by his underwhelming debut. Pierce told the IndyStar, “You throw me that ball 100 times, I’m going to catch it 99 times. Today just happened to be the one I dropped.” That’s a great mindset to have about the situation instead of him losing confidence in himself.
Rookie Colts WR Alec Pierce on his debut:
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) September 13, 2022
“I was obviously disappointed in how I played today. Left a lot out there. I think I can make a lot more plays and do a lot more for this team in the future.” https://t.co/tIqh4JQ9BG pic.twitter.com/GHNokv5m0T
The Colts, including Frank Reich, haven’t lost confidence in Pierce either. Speaking on the drop, Reich said, “Barely seen him drop a ball since he’s been here, he’s got great hands. You don’t make a big deal about it, you look at it as a fluke thing. Encouraged and excited about him going forward.”
No one’s sure when Pierce will start that journey forward, but once he clears concussion protocol, it’s safe to assume he will return to Indy’s lineup and begin redeeming himself, proving why the Colts selected him with their first pick in the draft.
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