Alec Pierce Off PUP, Back at Colts Practice

Alec Pierce is off the physically unable to perform list and back on the Indianapolis Colts practice field. The team activated the receiver Thursday, NFL.com, TSN, and the Indianapolis Star all confirmed, and Colts.com said he took part in individual periods for the first time since March ankle surgery. If he had stayed on PUP through Sunday's 53-man cutdown, league rules would have parked him for at least the first four regular-season games.

Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million extension in March, then had the operation after a January platelet-rich plasma injection failed to settle ankle and heel soreness that followed him through 2025. Indianapolis traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh in the same window. The featured-receiver job was Pierce's. The calendar was not. Week 1 is Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens.

When will Alec Pierce play for the Colts?

The hope is Week 1. The reality is a ramp. Colts.com said he worked individuals in the first half of Thursday's practice, then stepped away during 11-on-11. "First time being back out here and wearing the helmet, playing with other NFL players, you got to knock a little bit of rust off," Pierce said. He has been hitting trainer-set stamina numbers since camp opened in July. Coach Shane Steichen told WIBC before practice that Pierce was "in a really good spot" and that the medical staff had hoped to clear him this week.

NFL.com's Nick Shook noted Indianapolis signed Keenan Allen last week and already has Josh Downs in the slot. That is depth, not a replacement for 21.3 yards per catch. Pierce led the league in yards per reception last season and posted 1,003 yards on 47 catches, his first 1,000-yard year. Daniel Jones still needs the deep shot that made the contract make sense.

Why did Alec Pierce start camp on PUP?

The ankle. Surgery in March. Active/PUP on July 27 with linebacker CJ Allen. A player left on PUP after the Aug. 30 cutdown moves to Reserve/PUP and misses four games. Thursday's paper move is the one that keeps him eligible for Baltimore. Search traffic is already the query: Alec Pierce injury, Alec Pierce PUP, Colts receiver Week 1. This is that update, not a projection.

Elsewhere around the league, Calvin Austin's torn ACL ended his Giants season and Ja'Marr Chase is still a Bengals question. Pierce's story is the other kind. He is back in a helmet. He is not cleared for a full practice script. The Colts get 17 days to close that gap before the Ravens.

Alec Pierce PUP FAQ

Did the Colts activate Alec Pierce off PUP? Yes. The team announced it Thursday, Aug. 27, and he practiced in individual periods the same day.

Will Alec Pierce play Week 1 vs the Ravens? That is the target. He is ramping after March ankle surgery and did not take 11-on-11 Thursday.

What happens if a player stays on PUP past cutdown? He shifts to Reserve/PUP and must miss at least the first four regular-season games.