Colts WR Alec Pierce had ankle surgery in March that has placed him on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp. The designation isn’t a surprise after the surgery, but worth noting that Pierce could miss a chunk (if not all) of training camp. He currently is working off a reported 4-to-6-month recovery timeline, so the start of the season is still in some doubt. Missing Pierce would be a big blow to the Colts' offense after giving him a new 4-year, $114 million contract.
What They're Saying: Six Month Recovery Means Missed Games
Eric Edholm, Yahoo: “But if Pierce's recovery time stretches out closer to the six-month range, he'd be returning sometime around Week 3. The Colts play the Ravens, Chiefs and Texans — three AFC heavyweights — the first three games of the season. They need Pierce out there, especially after letting Michael Pittman Jr. walk this offseason and with last season's collapse still leaving a bad aftertaste.”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: WR38 Holds for Now
We are currently at the four-month mark for Pierce, so landing on the PUP (though expected) is still a bit disappointing. This could drag into the season if Pierce’s recovery takes the full six months, which would put his return around Week 3.
The good news is that Pierce can come off the physically unable to perform list at any time during training camp, so this could just be a move to make sure he's 100% before practicing.
Pierce did indicate earlier this offseason that he plans to come back during training camp and be ready to open the season.
Pierce currently sits at WR38 in our PPR WR Rankings. This PUP designation hasn’t affected our rankings at this point, but we'll keep an eye on Pierce if we get more news about his injury lingering into the preseason, and potentially the regular season.
