Pierce reflects on 2022

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 (ankle) is active for today’s game vs. the Patriots. He was a full-go in Friday’s practice and should be ready for his usual role today. Pierce could pick up a little extra volume with WR Josh Downs banged up but is really only an option in one-game DFS contests.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (shoulder) is active for today’s game vs. the Browns. He’s averaging just 3.7 targets, 1.8 catches, and 25 yards per game so far this season.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (shoulder) is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game vs. the Browns. He got in a full practice on Friday, so he should play. But Pierce is not a viable fantasy play against Cleveland’s top-ranked WR defense.

Colts WR Alec Pierce (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday. Although a full-time player, Pierce has totaled just 11 catches on 22 targets through six games, so his absence vs. the Browns this weekend wouldn't have a major fantasy impact.

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.