The Indianapolis Colts are adding a veteran wide receiver to their roster after Alec Pierce was injured in their Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Colts have agreed to sign New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton, per multiple reports. Terms of the deal between the two parties were not immediately disclosed.
Slayton, 29, spent the first seven years of his career with the Giants after being a fourth-round pick out of Auburn. He appeared in 106 games for the franchise with 78 starts and racked up 296 catches, 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns across his seven seasons.
Slayton figures to be asked to help replace Pierce as the Colts' primary speed threat. The 29-year-old has averaged an impressive 15 yards per reception across his career,
though he had just a 72.9 passer rating when targeted on throws of 20-plus yards during the 2026 season in Indianapolis.
It's worth noting that Slayton has built-in chemistry with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. The Giants selected both in the 2019 NFL Draft and they played together across parts of six seasons in New York.
Here's more to know about Slayton's fit with the Colts and how his role could be impacted by Pierce's injury.
Alec Pierce injury update
Pierce aggravated an injury in his surgically repair left heel during the Colts' "Sunday Night Football" game against the Chiefs in Week 2. The veteran receiver was running a route when he pulled up in pain and hopped to the sideline.
Pierce did not return to the game and was spotted wearing a boot and using crutches after the game.
Colts coach Shane Steichen did not immediately provide an update on Pierce's injury or timeline to return, but NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reports Pierce is expected "to be out several weeks" because of the ailment.
Pierce is choosing to attempt to rehabilitate the injury without surgery.
Colts WR depth chart
Pierce's absence, along with the addition of Slayton, will create a new pecking order within Indianapolis' receiver room. Below is a projection of how the Colts' receiver rotation could look in Week 3 and beyond:
- Josh Downs
- Keenan Allen
- Laquon Treadwell
- Darius Slayton
- Ashton Dulin
- Deion Burks
Downs will be the Colts' clear-cut No. 1 receiver after getting a team-high nine targets against the Chiefs. Following him will be the veteran duo of Allen and Treadwell, who rank second and third among receivers on the team in offensive snaps played.
Slayton will have a chance to push Allen and Treadwell for playing time, so he could eventually work his way up to the team's No. 2 or No. 3 role. It's also worth noting Allen is reportedly facing an eventual NFL suspension of at least three games, so Slayton will provide insurance in case that happens in 2026.
Meanwhile, Dulin is dealing with an ankle injury that caused him to miss Week 2. He will continue to be a special teams ace, who has a small role on offense, upon his return. Burks, a seventh-round rookie, has only played three offensive snaps during his career to date.
The Colts also have veterans Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Anthony Gould on their practice squad. Gould, a 2024 fifth-round pick, was called up to help as a kick returner in Week 2 with Dulin out of action.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colts reunite veteran WR with Daniel Jones after Alec Pierce injury
