In Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce left the game and needed to be carted off the field. He appears to have injured the same leg that required ankle/hell surgery in March. His timeline for return was not known immediately, but this article will be updated with the latest information.
The issue that many fans might have is that Pierce was re-signed this offseason to a massive four-year deal worth $114 million, and the team had to know that the receiver would need surgery to correct an injury that he suffered early in 2025.
He continued to play and did so quite well, but giving so much money to the player, even though he needed surgery, was a risk. Based on appearances only, Pierce is likely to miss quite a bit of time, as he wasn't able to put any weight on his leg when he was first helped to the blue medical tent before being carted to the locker room. Pierce was first announced as questionable and then ruled out.
Last updated on Wednesday, September 23 at 12:30 pm ET
- Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce carted off the field in Week 2 vs. Chiefs
- Alec Pierce injury history
- Alec Pierce updates timeline
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce carted off the field in Week 2 vs. Chiefs
The other problem fans might have is that quarterback Daniel Jones was allowed to keep playing last season after breaking his fibula, and a few weeks later he tore his Achilles tendon in his other leg. Did one injury lead to another? Should the team have sat Jones after the initial injury?
Per the Colts, Pierce's injury is one to his left heel -- the same one he had surgery on in late-March, of note.
— Nathan Brown (@By_NathanBrown) September 21, 2026
Should the team not have had Alec Pierce return for Week 1 and given him a bit more time to return from surgery that normally has a 4-6 month period of recovery? Pierce came back just short of six months, but hadn't been practicing much before the real games began.
Alec Pierce injury history
- September 2025 - Concussion
- March 2026 - Ankle surgery (missed training camp and the preseason)
Overall, Pierce has been healthy, but his recent ankle/heel issue is a real concern. One can only speculate about whether he was truly ready to return from the surgery he had in March, but many might guess that he wasn't.
Alec Pierce updates timeline
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, initial tests on Pierce's ankle/heel were negative. However, more testing is expected on Monday.
On Monday, head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Pierce "aggravated" his heel injury. The team was "still gathering information," though, and there was no timeline for the wide receiver's return.
Late on Monday, September 21, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Pierce will attempt to rehab his reinjured ankle/heel. The wide receiver is expected to be out for several weeks, and he could return by the middle of the season.
On Wednesday, the Colts officially put Alec Pierce on injured reserve. He will miss at least four games. Shane Steichen said the team "plans" to have Pierce back at some point this season, but that remains to be seen.
This article will be updated with the latest information on Alec Pierce's injury.
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