The metrics tell us that Alec Pierce's absence from the Indianapolis Colts' offense is going to have a negative impact on Jonathan Taylor and the run game.
According to Warren Sharp, when Pierce has been on the field, Taylor has averaged 5.4 yards per carry. Without him, Taylor's average drops to just 3.8 yards per rush.
Without Pierce's field-stretching abilities, defenses are able to defend the Colts more aggressively. When not worried about getting beat deep, opponents can shrink the field by moving in and crowding the line of scrimmage, which makes running the ball more difficult.
Sharp added that with Pierce, Taylor has faced heavy eight-man boxes on 29% of his carries over the last three seasons. But when Pierce is out, that figure jumps
to 41%.
Jonathan Taylor...
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 25, 2026
with Alec Pierce on the field: 5.4 YPC
without Pierce: 3.8 YPC
8-man boxes over the last 3 seasons:
With Pierce: 29%
Without: 41%
Pierce is out
Houston allows 0.57 fantasy points per RB touch (5th fewest)
The Colts hope that the recent addition of Darius Slayton can help provide that vertical element, but there is no replacing Pierce and what he brings to the offense.
Consistent success for the Colts' offense begins with Taylor in the run game. However, generating steady production on the ground is going to be more difficult moving forward.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Stats show how Alec Pierce injury impacts Colts' Jonathan Taylor
