Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he continues to recover from offseason ankle surgery. The move, which was anticipated, means Pierce will not participate in the early stages of training camp as he rehabilitates a procedure he underwent in late March.
Coach Shane Steichen stated that the team's goal is for Pierce to be ready for the regular season opener. "We’ll get him ramped up during training camp," Steichen told ESPN. "The goal is to be ready for Week 1."
Pierce's surgery came after dealing with ankle pain that persisted following a platelet-rich plasma injection at the end of the previous season. He had been managing the injury since 2024, with the surgery requiring a four- to six-month recovery period. Had he healed within the minimum four-month timeframe, he could have potentially joined training camp activities.
In March, Pierce signed a four-year contract extension worth $116 million, making him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. Last season, he recorded 1,003 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 47 receptions across 15 games, averaging 21.3 yards per catch. He has not practiced since signing his new deal.
Pursuant to the PUP list designation, Pierce will not be able to practice until he is medically cleared. The team also received positive news regarding quarterback Daniel Jones, who is reportedly ready to be a full participant in training camp after recovering from an Achilles tendon tear that ended his previous season.