The Indianapolis Colts couldn't have been sure what they were going to get from wide receiver Alec Pierce in Week 1. He had missed training camp and the preseason after having ankle surgery in March. He was able to play against the Baltimore Ravens but looked rusty and saw limited reps. In Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, though, Pierce seems fully ready to help.
He will be needed too. While Indy was sadly destroyed by the Ravens, Pierce wasn't able to help much. The team didn't try to use his elite explosiveness as much, and he was targeted more on crossing patterns. Maybe Indianapolis was afraid to push Pierce.
That shouldn't be the case against the Chiefs. Whether quarterback Daniel Jones has a bit more time to throw and the offense is more in sync remains to be seen, but several throws deep down the field to Pierce should be on the menu.
Alec Pierce should be ready for more reps for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2
What made this doubtful was Pierce missing practice completely on Thursday, but that appears to be a measured approach by the Colts. Giving Pierce, or any proven veteran, a day off here and there just keeps the player fresh for real games. Real games are obviously more important. On Friday, Pierce practiced with apparently no limitations.
One player who didn't was wideout Ashton Dulin, a valuable special teams contributor. He is dealing with an ankle issue (he was wearing a fairly good-sized brace while walking on the field this week), and he didn't practice all week. He is out for Week 2.
Friday's practice was slightly odd as cornerback Charvarius Ward and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner weren't practicing fully.
This was due to wanting to give the players rest, as both suffered significant injuries last season (Buckner had a neck injury and Ward had three different concussions), and there was no reason to push them hard early in the season during practice. They are veterans who know what they are doing.
Player | Position | Injury | Status for Week 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
Ashton Dulin | Wide receiver | Ankle | Out |
Defensive tackle Grover Stewart missed Thursday's practice due to a personal matter, but was practicing on Friday. He shouldn't miss Week 2 either.
Resting veterans is a smart move, especially based on what happened to the Indianapolis Colts last season. The second half of the season was a complete meltdown because the competition got tougher, but Indy had fewer very good players available.
Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson missed Wednesday's practice with a groin injury. He was back at practice on Thursday, and he can play, if needed, in Week 2. Head coach Shane Steichen said that Richardson tweaked a muscle while lifting weights early in the week.
The team already suffered a loss in Week 1 and must make the playoffs this season in order for many in the organization to keep their jobs. Having Alec Pierce and Charvarius Ward healthy is going to help the team's chances of making the postseason. Thankfully, both will be able to play against the Chiefs.
This article will be updated with any new injury information as needed. Ashton Dulin was the only player ruled out on Friday.
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