Colts WR Alec Pierce developed concussion symptoms in the wake of Sunday's game against the Texans and has entered the league protocol, HC Frank Reich told reporters Wednesday. We'll see whether Pierce can get through ahead of Sunday's game. Pierce ranked 3rd on the team in route rate and drew only 2 targets in the opener, so he shouldn't be near fantasy lineups even if he's back.

We knew WR Alec Pierce brought downfield speed when the Colts drafted him in Round 2 last April. His 12.2-yard average depth of target led the team in his rookie campaign. Pierce's 16.8-yard college aDOT says that number could rise even higher. And new QB Anthony Richardson specialized in deep passing as a collegian. According to Pro Football Focus, Richardson ranked 25th among 148 qualifying FBS QBs last year in total deep attempts (20+ yards downfield), 20th in deep-passing grade and 16th in deep-passing yards. We'll see about the pass-run split between the strong-running rookie QB and the new coaching staff. But Pierce is a low-risk option in best ball drafts at his later-round ADP. Read more about him and see where he sits in our 2023 fantasy football rankings.

Colts WR Alec Pierce admitted that he hit the rookie wall in 2022. “I don’t know if I necessarily felt it. But I think looking back on the film [late in the season], I did feel like I just wasn’t moving as good as I was early in the season.” While bad QB play factored in, Pierce mustered only nine catches for 82 yards over the final month. The second-year deep threat also noted an offseason area of emphasis. “I definitely needed to work more on my route-running at the top of routes, creating separation,” Pierce said. He projects as a full-time outside WR for new HC Shane Steichen, but we’re not expecting Indy to resemble a pass-happy offense. Pierce isn’t someone we’re looking to aggressively target in best ball leagues — even with an ADP past WR70.

Colts WR Alec Pierce caught just 3 passes for 28 yards in Sunday's loss to the Eagles, but he drew a team-high 8 targets. That came in the 1st game all season in which Pierce ran more routes than WR Parris Campbell. Michael Pittman (7) and Campbell (6) finished close behind in targets. Pittman led the team with 6 catches and 75 yards. Campbell caught 5 balls for 67 yards. Next up for Indy: an upside passing matchup with Pittsburgh.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (concussion) put in a full week of practice and isn’t listed on the final injury report. He’ll play vs. the Chiefs this weekend but isn’t a viable fantasy starter at this point.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He's on track to return for this weekend's game vs. the Chiefs but isn't a viable fantasy play at this stage.