Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Colts confirmed Thursday that 26‑year‑old wide receiver Alec Pierce has been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The move comes as the team prepares to close out training camp and look toward the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13.
Pierce underwent offseason surgery to address an ankle injury that did not improve after platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) injections earlier in the year. Colts officials said his participation in team workouts will increase in the coming days, with the goal of having him fully ready for the first game of the season.
Contract and role
In the 2025 offseason, Indianapolis elevated Pierce to the No. 1 wide receiver position, rewarding him with a four‑year, $114 million contract and trading former top receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pierce finished the 2025 campaign with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 18.7 yards per catch over his four‑year career since being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has twice led the league in yards per reception.
His return is expected to bolster an offense that has also been without wide receiver Josh Downs for part of camp. Coach Reggie Wayne emphasized the importance of waiting until Pierce is fully healed.
“We know what he means to our (WR) room. I just want him whenever he’s 100 %,” Wayne said. “I don’t want him at 80, I don’t want him at 85.”
Medical update
General manager Chris Ballard explained that Pierce received the PRP injection in January to treat lingering soreness in his left heel and ankle, but the condition required surgery in March. Ballard denied rumors that a second procedure had been performed.
While Pierce was not completely idle during camp, he focused on conditioning and individual drills to maintain his fitness without risking re‑injury.
Defensive news
The Colts also received encouraging news on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr., 30, who has been dealing with a back injury, returned to team workouts on Wednesday, adding depth to the secondary as the roster finalizes.
With both Pierce and Ward back in practice, the Colts head into the final week of camp with a healthier roster and a clearer picture of their starting lineups for the upcoming regular‑season clash.
Looking ahead
Fans can expect to see Pierce in preseason action as the Colts fine‑tune their offensive schemes. If he remains healthy, the team hopes his speed and big‑play ability will give quarterback Anthony Richardson a reliable deep‑threat option from day one.
The Colts’ coaching staff will continue to evaluate all players during the last days of camp, aiming to present a competitive squad when the NFL season kicks off on Sept. 13.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
