Alec Pierce missing Colts camp; Downs groin injury not serious
By Michael
Updated
Colts WR Alec Pierce has not practiced at any point this summer after undergoing a cleanup procedure on his left ankle in March, and WR Josh Downs' groin injury is not serious, coach Shane Steichen said after Sunday's practice, with Downs potentially available for Tuesday's joint practice at New England.
Pierce still on active PUP
Pierce is on the active PUP list, which means he can return to practice the moment he is cleared, with no mandatory missed time attached. Steichen said before camp opened that he expected Pierce back at some point during training camp. Pierce himself noted the four-month recovery math put him around the start of camp. Doctors told Pierce the ankle would take four to six months to fully recover. Pierce's ankle had been bothering him since the end of the 2024 season and got worse through 2025. A PRP injection attempted first did not fix the problem, which led to the surgery decision.
Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract to stay in Indianapolis and posted over 1,000 receiving yards in 2025, leading the NFL in yards per catch for the second consecutive season.
Downs injury update
Downs' groin injury is not serious and he could return as soon as Tuesday's joint practice at New England. The Colts have not disclosed when he picked up the injury. The team's first preseason game is Thursday, August 15 against the New England Patriots.
Receiver depth without both
With Michael Pittman Jr. traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, Downs and Pierce are the clear top two options in Indianapolis. Behind them, Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are the next receivers on the depth chart. Laquon Treadwell is also dealing with a hamstring injury at camp.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter framed both absences as a chance to evaluate younger players and those competing for roster spots.
What this means for your roster
Downs' injury outlook improved sharply. He should be available soon and is not a concern. Pierce's upside is obvious given his contract and production, but he remains a wait-and-see until he actually practices. If camp ends without him practicing, PUP concerns for the regular season are legitimate. Neither player is droppable in redraft or dynasty, but Pierce should stay on your injury tracker.