Alec Pierce is set to be out there when the Indianapolis Colts open the 2026 season against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium, but the bigger question is how much he’ll actually be used.
That uncertainty comes after a rough stretch of recovery for the wideout. Pierce had ankle surgery in March, only a couple of weeks after signing a four-year deal worth as much as $114 million. He had been dealing with the injury during last season, played through it, and then had the surgery to fully fix the issue.
The procedure wiped out his minicamp, all of training camp, and the preseason. Pierce only got back on the practice field recently and was listed as limited in the lead-up to Week 1.
Head coach Shane Steichen didn’t shut anyone down at first, but that changed on Saturday when linebacker Austin Ajiake was ruled out because of a hamstring issue. As for Pierce, Steichen made it clear on Friday that he would play against the Ravens, though he would not say whether the receiver would be restricted in any way. The coach said the team would have to see how the game unfolded before deciding how many snaps Pierce would get.
The dream scenario would be a Colts blowout so lopsided that Pierce barely has to work. If Indianapolis were up 58-0 at halftime, he could pack it in early and spend the rest of the day on the couch. Realistically, though, the expectation is that Pierce plays and probably does so with some kind of limit.
That would make sense after a week of limited practice. It would be a little surprising to see him eased in during the week and then pushed through a full game right away, though it’s not impossible.
Even if he isn’t at full throttle, having Pierce available gives the Colts’ offense another layer. Baltimore still has to respect his speed and big-play ability, even if he isn’t quite the same explosive threat he’s been at points in his career. At least not yet, and maybe not in Week 1.
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Colts Opening Day Letdown Raises Questions They Werent Supposed To Face
The Colts walked into Week 1 expecting a clean opening statement and instead left with a reminder of how quickly a season can tilt when both sides of the ball go sideways. Baltimore took control early in a 41-23 loss, with Indianapolis struggling to slow the Ravens passing game and failing to generate much rhythm on offense, even as Daniel Jones early interception helped fuel the first surge.
Zay Flowers did most of his damage before leaving with an injury, and the Colts never found a comfortable answer for the matchup that had already become a problem. Indy also needed more from its playmakers, with Alec Pierce quiet in the first half, and the kind of opening-day performance that was supposed to settle things only added to the questions this group was trying to avoid. [Read more 🡒]
Jonathan Owens' Colts Debut Had A Simone Biles Touch Fans Loved
Simone Biles showed up at Lucas Oil Stadium for a first look at Jonathan Owens in a Colts uniform, and she made sure the moment had a personal touch. Before kickoff in Week 1, Biles wore a custom blue-and-white dress with Owens name and number on it, then shared a handshake and a kiss with her husband on the sideline as he prepared for his first regular-season game with Indianapolis.
Owens arrived in Indianapolis after two seasons with the Chicago Bears and signed a one-year deal with the Colts, so his debut carried a little extra attention beyond the usual opening-week nerves. Having Biles in the building only added to the spotlight, and for Colts fans, the sideline scene was one of the more memorable details from a day built around fresh starts. [Read more 🡒]
Ravens Suddenly Face A Huge Problem Against The Colts
Zay Flowers turned a promising opening for Baltimore into an immediate concern for the Ravens on Sunday, leaving their Week 1 matchup with the Colts because of a hamstring injury. Before heading to the sideline, the second-year receiver was doing serious damage, piling up five catches for 150 yards and a touchdown as Baltimore tried to set the tone early.
Flowers was listed as questionable to return, and the Ravens said they were continuing to evaluate his status during the game. For Indianapolis, the injury changes the feel of a matchup that had already featured one of Baltimores most dangerous playmakers making a big early impact, and now the Colts are waiting to see whether they have to deal with him again or whether the Ravens have to adjust without one of their top targets. [Read more 🡒]