Story perspectives

Alec Pierce cleared to play Colts’ opener vs Ravens

9/8/2026

Summary

Pierce Plays Opener

Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Alec Pierce will play in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
Pierce underwent left-ankle surgery in the offseason and was removed from the PUP list on Aug. 27.
He returned to practice after preseason and is expected to be fully cleared for the opener.
Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract with $84 million guaranteed.

Summary

Pierce Returns

Coach Shane Steichen said Pierce’s deep-threat speed will force defenses back, opening underneath routes.
Quarterback Daniel Jones and Pierce have been throwing extra passes to rebuild on-field chemistry.
Practice plans feature side-route repetitions for Pierce outside full-team drills to fine-tune timing.
Steichen said the team is working out the kinks to ensure seamless integration before the opener.
Pierce’s return gives the Colts a proven deep-threat option after a five-month absence.

History

Historical Context

In 2012, the Indianapolis Colts granted T.Y. Hilton a five-year, $40 million extension after he missed eight games with a hamstring injury. The deal, approved by owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard, represented 12 % of the team’s salary cap that season. Today, rookie Alec Pierce, cleared from left-ankle surgery on Aug. 27, signed a four-year, $114 million contract with $84 million guaranteed, joining quarterback Daniel Jones under coach Shane Steichen. This mirrors the Colts’ long-term strategy of investing in deep-threat receivers to stretch defenses, shaping offensive play-calling for the 2024 season.

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Pierce Plays Opener

Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Alec Pierce will play in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
Pierce underwent left-ankle surgery in the offseason and was removed from the PUP list on Aug. 27.
He returned to practice after preseason and is expected to be fully cleared for the opener.
Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract with $84 million guaranteed.

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