The veteran help the Indianapolis Colts desperately needed has finally arrived in the form of Keenan Allen. The long-time Charger is winding down his career and adding at least one more pit stop before calling it quits. The Colts hope he has enough gas in the tank to help in 2026. This is great news, but it brings up a big question. What, if anything, does this tell us about the health and availability of Alec Pierce?
After signing a huge contract, Pierce immediately underwent ankle surgery. That
has kept him on the sideline ever since. Even at Saturday night’s practice, I witnessed Pierce taking passes from Reggie Wayne, but everything was stationary. Bringing in Allen could put more weight behind what fans have been feeling this whole time. From phantom second injections to non-committal statements from Shane Steichen, the whole thing hasn’t sat right from the beginning.
On the other hand, signing Allen may be a completely separate move. Fans, myself included, were begging for the Colts to beef up their receiver room. Even with a healthy Pierce, that group left something to be desired. Signing a veteran to ease the pressure on everyone was always the right call. With Pierce out and Josh Downs a bit banged up, things were looking dicey. Consider the Allen signing as insurance, whether Pierce was a full go or not.
The worst part of it all is that we have no idea the real reason. Will we be told? Most likely not. Will all be revealed in time? Yes, especially if Alec Pierce isn’t ready to go Week 1. That will be a huge indicator that Keenan Allen was a necessity, not a luxury. Regardless, a lot is riding on the newly signed veteran, and much will be needed. Hopefully, he will get to work with Pierce by his side, sooner rather than later.
