Colts Activate Alec Pierce Off PUP Following 1,003-Yard 2025 Season

Wide receiver Alec Pierce was activated off the physically unable to perform list Thursday as he recovers from March ankle surgery.

The Indianapolis Colts officially activated wide receiver Alec Pierce from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Thursday, August 27, 2026. This roster transaction follows a March surgical procedure on his ankle, an intervention required after a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection failed to alleviate chronic soreness. Pierce, who led the NFL in yards per catch for two consecutive seasons, now begins a specialized ramping-up phase to prepare for the regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. WXIN-TV first reported the move, which allows the primary target to rejoin teammates on the practice field.

Key details

Pierce enters the 2026 season coming off a career-high 1,003 receiving yards recorded during the 2025 campaign. He achieved this yardage on just 47 receptions, resulting in a league-leading 21.3 yards-per-reception average. This statistical output marked the second straight year he paced the NFL in big-play efficiency. His role expanded significantly following the March trade that sent Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, positioning the former second-round pick as the undisputed featured option in the Indianapolis passing attack.

Financial commitments to the receiver were solidified during the same month as the Pittman departure. The Colts signed Pierce to a four-year contract extension valued at $114 million. This deal reflected the organization's confidence in his ability to serve as a cornerstone player despite the heel and ankle issues that plagued him throughout the latter half of the previous year. Medical staff monitored the receiver closely as he transitioned from the initial PRP treatment to the eventual surgical correction performed in the spring.

Stephen Holder, an NFL reporter with experience covering the league since 2005, confirmed the activation via ESPN sources on Thursday morning. Holder’s reporting history includes a tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005 to 2013 before moving to the Indianapolis beat. His background spans multiple major outlets, including the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star, and The Athletic. The confirmation of Pierce’s health status is a pivotal development for a franchise that overhauled its roster during the recent offseason.

Latest developments

The timing of this medical clearance is strategically significant for the Colts' offensive planning. By removing the PUP designation now, the coaching staff can integrate Pierce into specific drills designed to test his lateral movement and explosive speed. The goal remains a full workload for the Week 1 contest, ensuring the $114 million asset is available to face the Ravens' secondary. The team had previously expressed caution, but the successful completion of his rehabilitation protocol triggered this Thursday morning roster shift.

During the 2025 season, Pierce demonstrated a unique ability to stretch defenses, often serving as the vertical threat that opened underneath routes for other targets. His 47 catches were frequently high-leverage plays that moved the chains or resulted in scores. The ankle surgery aimed to preserve that specific explosive trait, which had been hampered by persistent inflammation. With the surgical site now fully healed, the focus shifts to conditioning and timing with the starting quarterback.

Indianapolis will continue to monitor the receiver's recovery metrics during the final days of August. The transition from the PUP list to the active roster is the final administrative hurdle before he is eligible to suit up for game action. The front office and coaching staff have remained aligned on his recovery timeline, prioritizing long-term health over premature preseason snaps. This methodical approach culminated in today's announcement, marking the end of a five-month recovery journey that began in a surgical suite last March.