Alec Pierce’s offseason has had a little bit of everything for Colts fans: the kind of good news that comes with a huge contract, followed by the kind of injury update that makes everyone hold their breath.
Pierce re-signed with Indianapolis on a four-year deal worth as much as $116 million, but then came ankle surgery in March. That kept him out of organized team activities and minicamp, and it also means he’ll miss the opening stretch of training camp. The big question hanging over it all was simple: how long until he’s actually back?
Chris Ballard offered a reassuring answer on Tuesday. The Colts general manager said Pierce will need a “week or so of rehab,” after which the team could expect him back. He still has to be medically cleared to practice and play, but the hope is that happens within a couple of weeks.
That doesn’t lock in a return date, but it does point in the right direction. Even if Pierce sits out a little more of camp, the Colts can live with that. He’s been in the building for four years and has already spent a year working with starting quarterback Daniel Jones, so the missed reps aren’t nearly as damaging as they might be for someone newer to the system.
The real danger would be rushing him. A quick return that aggravates the ankle would be a much bigger problem than a few lost practices. Not having Pierce in camp is one thing; not having him when the games count, especially with a tough opening stretch on the schedule, would be a different story entirely.
The Colts’ receiver room makes the Pierce update even more important. With Adonai Mitchell traded away as part of the deal that brought cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, the margin for error got thinner. Mitchell had a solid finish in New York, and there’s a sense he could have grown in Indianapolis too, especially with the reps that traded Michael Pittman Jr. wouldn’t be taking.
As things stand, Indianapolis is leaning on a pass-catching group built around Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, with plenty of expectation that tight end Tyler Warren will be a major piece of the offense as well.
So while Pierce’s absence has been a concern, Ballard’s update gives the Colts reason to breathe easier. The expectation now is that Pierce will be back at training camp soon and well before Week 1. From there, the next step is on him: prove he can produce at the level that matches the contract.
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