Back on the practice field on Thursday for theIndianapolis Colts was wide receiver Alec Pierce, who had been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Pierce took part in only individual work as he begins his ramp-up following a lengthy absence.
A few weeks ago, GM Chris Ballard said the plan was for Pierce to be available for the Colts' season opener against Baltimore. And that remains the goal.
"Week 1 is the goal," Pierce said after Thursday's practice.
"Week 1 is the goal."#Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce hopes to be ready for the team's season opener against the Ravens: pic.twitter.com/hiLr8CDXIp
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) August 27, 2026
Pierce underwent left ankle surgery in March and has been sidelined since, missing OTAs and nearly all of training camp.
"Mentally,
it is tough," Pierce said of the recovery, "but you just gotta find ways to try to stay in it because you're going to be in those meetings and stuff. It's good to be around the guys; they keep your spirits up and stuff, because sitting watching film, watching walkthrough, watching practice, it gets a little monotonous. You want to be out there helping the team, making plays with the team, working with them, but the guys have been great. They've been checking in with me. Other than just not being on the field, it's been the same."
For the first time in his career last season, Pierce surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark, and he has led the NFL in yards per catch the past two seasons.
More opportunities are expected to come his way this season, not only in targets, but in how he's utilized within the passing game.
Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million free agent deal to remain with the Colts earlier this offseason.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' Alec Pierce still eyeing Week 1 return
