While the Houston Texans will likely be without star wideout Nico Collins on Sunday afternoon, the Indianapolis Colts also will be without their No. 1 target on the outside.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rappoport, wide receiver Alec Pierce, who aggravated a heel injury that was surgically repaired this offseason, will not undergo a second surgery and will attempt to rehab the ailment. As of now, he's not expected to be placed on the injured reserve, but he'll be out for at least several weeks.
The result? He won't be on the field at kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday for an AFC South showdown against Houston.
Pierce, who signed a lucrative four-year, $114 million deal this offseason to stick around, left Sunday's 33-30 overtime loss against
the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half. In the postgame, Colts coach Shane Steichen said X-rays were negative, but Pierce was seen leaving Arrowhead Stadium on crutches and had a boot on his lower left leg.
#Colts star WR Alec Pierce, who aggravated a heel injury that was surgically repaired, will attempt to rehab the ailment rather than have surgery, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2026
Pierce is slated to be out several weeks while he heals, but if all goes well, he could return midseason. pic.twitter.com/9dQR0PD7X0
Known for his vertical consistency, Pierce was expected to be a centerpiece of the Colts' offense this season. Indianapolis also traded away Michael Pittman Jr. just to keep reps in favor of the young, newly paid receiving threat.
So far, Pierce has been dealing with the heel strain consistently since signing the contract. He was late to training camp and dealt with the issue throughout the entire offseason. In two games, he totaled five catches for 72 yards.
With Pierce out, the Colts will turn mostly to Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and veteran receiver Laquon Treadwell. A former first-round pick out of Ole Miss, Treadwell filled into the role for Pierce and finished with three catches for 61 yards.
As for the Texans, they are still waiting to hear an update on Collins, who missed Sunday's 20-6 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a hamstring injury.
Kickoff is scheduled for Noon, CT.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans' defense won't face Colts top weapon Alec Pierce in Week 3
