Alec Pierce won't be returning to the Indianapolis Colts for minicamp. In fact, he might be straining to even return by the time training camp begins in late July. His ankle injury and the surgery that went along with it forced a delay in when he practices for the team.
Much of the attention on Pierce this offseason was on how much it would take to re-sign him in free agency. That turned out to be quite a bit. Four years and as much as $116 million, in fact. Is that too much to pay for a wideout who has never had a 50-catch season? Maybe.
The truth is that Pierce is arguably the most explosive wide receiver in the NFL, having back-to-back seasons where he averaged more than 20 yards per catch, and that, as the clear WR1 heading into 2026 and beyond, he might have 80 receptions or more. That could turn into a 1,500-yard season.
Indianapolis Colts are still waiting for Alec Pierce to return from ankle surgery
That would make him worth the money he was paid, but he needs to stay healthy, too. His ankle injury mostly went under the radar until after he signed, and the fact that he isn't back at practice yet might make many fans worry.
Speaking at the opening of minicamp this week, head coach Shane Steichen said of Pierce, "I'm not going to put a timetable on (Pierce's return), but at some point in training camp, whether it's the start or maybe a couple of weeks in, we're just gonna be smart with him (and) make sure he's ready to go."
Sure, not rushing the wide receiver back for practice is the logical move. Pierce shouldn't risk aggravating his ankle issue until the real games are about to start. What the team and fans can't yet know is whether the ankle injury will be one that has long-term ramifications.
Clearly, ankle problems are bad for any athlete, but for a wide receiver who relies on speed and quick movements to get open, the issue is potentially worse. Still, whenever Alec Pierce was hurt last season, he continued to play through the injury and did well. By the end of the season, no doubt existed that he was the alpha of the Indianapolis Colts' wide receiver group.
The team didn't address who might be WR3, though. Michael Pittman Jr., who has led Indianapolis in targets and catches in recent seasons, was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. His absence magnifies the fact that Alec Pierce must be productive. To do so, he must get healthy and stay that way.
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