The Indianapolis Colts have received a crucial update on Alec Pierce's injury. That's after their star wide receiver aggravated his surgically repaired left heel during Sunday night’s 33–30 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Pierce will attempt to rehab the injury rather than undergo another procedure. This provides Indianapolis with a potentially significant break as it navigates the loss of its top perimeter weapon.

Pierce is still expected to miss several weeks. However, Rapoport reports that a midseason return remains possible if his rehabilitation progresses without setbacks. The injury occurred late in the first quarter at Arrowhead Stadium when Pierce pulled up while running a route. He was unable to put weight on the leg. He was then carted to the locker room and later seen in a walking boot and on crutches. Initial X-rays were negative. Still, the setback involved the same heel that underwent surgery in March.

That makes the decision to avoid another surgery particularly important for Indianapolis. The Colts signed Pierce to a four-year, $114 million extension this offseason after his breakout 2025 campaign. They will now lean more heavily on Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, and Laquon Treadwell while Pierce begins his recovery.

Pierce has developed into one of the NFL’s premier vertical threats since Indianapolis selected him in 2022. He produced 824 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. He then surpassed 1,000 yards in 2025, finishing with 1,003 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 21.3 yards per reception. His explosive production established him as a centerpiece of the Colts’ passing attack.