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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is back and reportedly healthy again. That's a great thing for this franchise. Last season, Jones played 13 games for the Colts and had 3,101 passing yards and 19 passing touchdowns to eight interceptions. It was a solid showing, and they're hoping it's a sign of things to come.
But Jones also needs help on the field. He can't pass to himself. He needs targets. One of his strongest targets may not be available for Week 1.
On Tuesday, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report unleashed a feature projecting when injured star players on various NFL teams will take the field with their respective teams.
Alec Pierce's Week 1 status remains uncertain
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is still recovering from ankle surgery and has yet to practice during training camp, even though the Colts initially expected him back in early August. That's unnerving, at least a bit.
The injury has slowed his preparation for the season, which is really disconcerting after Indianapolis gave him a four-year, $114 million extension and expects him to take on a bigger role.
According to head coach Shane Steichen, Pierce won't return to the field Tuesday, but he remains hopeful he'll practice later this week.
"With little in the way of proven weapons outside of Josh Downs and aging free-agent pickup Keenan Allen to lean on during Pierce's absence, the Colts need Pierce to get back on the field and pick up his new role as soon as possible," Kay says. "Even if Pierce doesn't get many practice reps under his belt, expect Steichen—likely coaching for his job in 2026—to thrust the wideout into action and have him learn on the fly."
With limited proven options at receiver, there's just no getting around that the Colts badly need Pierce back and bringing his highlight reel.
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