Alec Pierce Injured, Latest Updates on Colts WR's Timeline for Return After Re-Aggravating Heel

It was already known that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce would miss time after injuring the same heel he had surgery on in the offseason, but the timeline for his return is still being determined.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Pierce and the Colts are "hopeful" he will miss four to six weeks after receiving a second opinion early in the week.

The timeline remains uncertain, though, because Fowler noted it is a "complicated injury situation" and how Pierce feels each week as he goes through rehab "will be crucial" in determining how long he is out.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced on Wednesday that Pierce will be placed on injured reserve.

Pierce left Sunday's overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter with a heel injury. He quietly had ankle surgery in March after signing a four-year, $116 million contract to remain with the Colts in free agency.

The recovery period from the surgery extended well into the preseason. Pierce had multiple PRP injections to assist in the recovery. He was activated off the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 27, just over two weeks before their season opener.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced on Monday that Pierce's X-rays came back negative.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, it's "not a guarantee" Pierce will avoid having surgery, but he will attempt to rehab the injury.

An IR stint will keep Pierce out for a minimum of four games. The Colts signed veteran receiver Darius Slayton this week to provide them with pass-catching depth.

Pierce only played 32 of Indianapolis' 54 offensive snaps in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. He was on the field for 17 snaps against the Chiefs prior to the injury.

The 26-year-old Pierce has been one of the best deep threats since entering the NFL in 2022. He has led the league in yards per catch in each of the past two seasons with 22.3 in 2024 and 21.3 in 2025.

Last season marked Pierce's first 1,000-yard campaign. He also finished second on the Colts with six touchdown receptions.

The Colts are off to an 0-2 start even though the offense, despite missing Pierce for most of Week 2, ranks 10th in points scored. Their defense has allowed an NFL-high 74 points.

Indianapolis is riding the NFL's longest active losing streak at nine straight games dating back to Week 12 last season. The Colts will look to snap the skid on Sunday when they host the Houston Texans.