Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce did not practice Thursday because of a heel injury, a notable downgrade after he was listed as a full participant on Wednesday’s opening Week 2 injury report.
The change makes Pierce one of the Colts’ most important late-week health situations before Sunday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Indianapolis also had several players move in the opposite direction Thursday, including quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and wide receiver Keenan Allen, who were full participants.
Pierce went from full participation to a Thursday DNP
The Colts’ official practice notebook lists Pierce as a non-participant Thursday with a heel injury after he worked in full on Wednesday. That participation trend is more meaningful than a player simply remaining on the report at the same level because it shows the issue affected his workload as the week progressed.
A Thursday absence does not automatically rule Pierce out for Sunday night. Indianapolis still has Friday’s practice and final game-status report to determine whether the heel responds well enough for him to play.
The key question is whether Pierce can return to the field Friday. A limited or full session would give the Colts a clearer path to keeping him in the game plan, while a second straight absence would increase concern about his availability.
Pierce already had to work back for the season opener
Pierce entered the season after dealing with a separate ankle issue that affected his Week 1 preparation. FSN previously covered Pierce being expected to play in the opener after returning from the ankle problem.
The current listing is for his heel, so the Colts’ report should be treated as a new Week 2 issue rather than automatically assuming it is the same injury. What matters for Kansas City is whether Pierce can maintain the vertical and intermediate receiving role Indianapolis expected him to hold this season.
The Colts are coming off a Week 1 loss in Baltimore, which FSN covered in its recap of the Ravens’ 41-23 victory over Indianapolis. Facing Kansas City next puts additional value on having the full receiving rotation available for a game in which explosive plays could matter.
Anthony Richardson and Keenan Allen moved in the right direction
Thursday also brought encouraging developments for Indianapolis. Richardson was a full participant after not practicing Wednesday because of a groin issue, while Allen returned to full work after being limited.
Richardson’s status matters even though Daniel Jones remains the starter. FSN previously detailed how Richardson won the Colts’ backup quarterback job behind Jones. Returning to full practice reduces concern about whether Indianapolis would have its normal quarterback depth available Sunday.
Allen’s full participation is also important if Pierce remains limited. The Colts would rather have both receivers available, but a healthy Allen gives the passing game stability while the coaching staff waits for Pierce’s heel to improve.
Indianapolis had several other Thursday absences
Pierce was not the only Colt who did not practice. Wide receiver Ashton Dulin was out with an ankle injury, running back DJ Giddens was added with a knee issue and defensive tackle Grover Stewart missed the session for personal reasons.
Those absences affect different parts of the roster, but the Pierce development stands out because of the Wednesday-to-Thursday downgrade and his role in the passing game.
Why Pierce’s status matters against Kansas City
Pierce gives Indianapolis a field-stretching receiving option whose speed can change how safeties align. Even when he is not receiving a high target total, that vertical threat can create space for other receivers and underneath routes.
If he cannot play, Indianapolis would have to redistribute routes and could lose some of the spacing flexibility Pierce provides. That would put more pressure on Allen and the rest of the receiver group to create explosive plays against a Chiefs defense preparing for a prime-time home game.
The Colts do not need to make that adjustment yet. Thursday’s DNP creates uncertainty, not a final ruling.
What to watch Friday
Pierce’s Friday participation will be the clearest indicator of where his Week 2 status is headed. Returning in any capacity would be progress after Thursday’s absence; another DNP would make the final injury designation especially important.
Indianapolis received positive news with Richardson and Allen returning to full work. The remaining question is whether Pierce can reverse his own participation trend before the Colts travel to Kansas City.
Sources
- Indianapolis Colts: Thursday practice notebook and Week 2 injury updates (September 17, 2026)
- NFL.com: Thursday NFL news roundup (September 17, 2026)
- Kansas City Chiefs: Week 2 injury report vs. Colts (September 17, 2026)