Alec Pierce cashed in on his breakthrough 2025 campaign this offseason. The big bodied deep threat had a career high 47 catches and 1,003 yards, establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier deep threats. That led to a four-year, $114 million contract this offseason.
However, his 2026 may be cut short. Pierce limited off the field in the first quarter of a Sunday Night Football showdown between his Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs. He came up hopping after a downfield tangle and some quick cuts led to what seemed to be a non-contact injury.
Pierce immediately left the field to take his place in the Colts' injury tent. Moments later, he was loaded onto the injury cart and driven back to the Indianapolis locker room.
🚨 Status alert:
Colts WR Alec Pierce (leg) is headed to the medical tent Sunday. He left the field after this play.
— NFL Daily News (@insidenflnews.bsky.social) 2026-09-21T00:58:03.125Z
Later, in the second quarter, Pierce was officially ruled out with a heel injury.
Who'll step up in Pierce's absence in the Colts' passing game?
Indianapolis doesn't have an experienced downfield threat in its lineup outside of Pierce. Josh Downs works best in the slot. Keenan Allen's days as a speedster are behind him. Adonai Mitchell was supposed to be that guy, but he underwhelmed as a Colt and was dealt to the New York Jets last season.
Anthony Gould isn't big enough to fill Pierce's shoes. Laquon Treadwell's lone target in Week 1 was his first since 2023, though he was able to draw a downfield pass interference penalty two drives after Pierce left the field. Thus, it may be time for rookie seventh round pick Deion Burks and his 4.30-second 40 speed to shine.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Alec Pierce injury update: What happened to the Colts WR?
