Pierce's Ankle Rehab Timetable Thins Colts Receiver Supply Into September

Colts receiver Alec Pierce has been stuck on the active/physically unable to perform list since the start of training camp following offseason ankle surgery, per Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Steichen offered a measured update on Pierce's progress, saying he's "heading in the right direction for sure," but offered no timeline for his return to practice or games.

The injury landscape for Indianapolis at receiver is already thin. Second-year starter Michael Pittman Jr. remains the focal point, but the depth chart behind him lacks proven volume targets. Pierce, when healthy, operates in the mid-tier receiving role—not a primary option, but a consistent chain-mover in the 60-80 receiving yard range on full health. His absence through at least the first two weeks of August compounds a depth problem that compounds further if Pierce isn't full-go by Week 1.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will enter his second NFL season with limited continuity among his receiving options. Pittman's projection stays stable, but the distribution of targets to second and third receivers becomes more concentrated on younger, unproven talent if Pierce doesn't reclaim his role. Early-season Indianapolis passing games may see higher variance in target allocation, which pressures both Richardson's completion percentage and his yards-per-attempt efficiency.

From a prop angle, Pierce's continued absence narrows the Colts' receiving target tree in Week 1 and potentially Week 2. If Pierce doesn't clear the PUP list by kickoff, expect Colts passing volume to skew heavier toward Pittman (increased receptions and yards likely) while role players absorb secondary touches at lower volume. Richardson's passing yards total should account for some compression if the offense can't distribute downfield efficiently without Pierce's intermediate-route stability. Books will price Richardson's Week 1 passing yards based on full-health Colts assumptions; if Pierce remains unavailable, the market may be overestimating yardage range on a reconstructed depth chart.