Pierce placed on injured reserve

Colts WR Alec Pierce aggravated his surgically repaired left heel during Week 2 loss to Kansas City. He will miss at least four weeks while rehabbing, with hopes to return this season.

How the injury happened

Pierce fell while changing direction on a downfield route in the Chiefs game. He got up and continued but quickly pulled up in pain and was carted off the field.

Timing is brutal for Pierce

Pierce just signed a four-year, 114 million dollar deal this offseason after posting his first 1,000-yard season last year. He was just getting back up to speed after training camp.

What the Colts lose

Pierce led the NFL in yards per reception the last two seasons and was the first player since A.J. Brown in 2019 to exceed 1,000 yards on at least 20 yards per catch. No one on the roster can replace his downfield production.

“Pierce led the NFL in yards per reception each of the last two seasons”

Colts scramble for replacements

Indianapolis signed Darius Slayton to help fill the void. Keenan Allen, signed before the season, faces a three-game suspension minimum. Josh Downs and Tyler Warren will see more targets.

Downs and Warren step up

Josh Downs had nine targets in Week 2 with seven catches for 72 yards. Tyler Warren caught six of seven targets for 21 yards and a touchdown. Both will be relied on heavily without Pierce.

Defense pressure mounts

The Colts defense has been among the league's worst, forcing the offense to keep pace. Without Pierce's deep threat, opponents can crowd the box more against Jonathan Taylor and the run game.

Steichen and Ballard on hot seat

Coach Shane Steichen and GM Chris Ballard entered the season under pressure after a 0-2 start. Losing Pierce, their top receiver, makes their job significantly harder as they try to turn things around.