Friday’s practice, the final one before the Colts’ preseason opener against Denver, was highlighted by an impressive day for Alec Pierce.
According to Joel Erickson of the Indy Star, Pierce made four receptions on the day. One was a 35-yard catch while Jaylon Jones had a hold of his jersey. The next was a sliding grab over the middle in 7-on-7s, and then Pierce’s day ended with two receptions of 15 yards each, one of which was for a touchdown.
“Alec Pierce has had a really good camp,” said Steichen after Friday’s practice.
Pierce is competing with rookie AD Mitchell for the starting X receiver position opposite of Michael Pittman. Not only in this practice, but overall, SI’s Horseshoe Huddle notes that the general consensus among those in attendance at practice seems to be that Pierce has been the more impactful player of the two.
Given that Mitchell is a rookie and Pierce is in his third NFL season and second in Steichen’s system, it shouldn’t necessarily be a surprise that he’s perhaps stood out more early on. That experience can be quite valuable.
“He was – I mean he always brings it to practice every single day,” said Jim Bob Cooter. “He is as consistent as they come. His work ethic, his work habits, his pre-practice habits, just the way he prepares himself to have a shot at having some success during that practice when those opportunities go up.”
Through Pierce’s first two seasons, he’s been often utilized as a downfield target for the Colts. In 2023, Pierce’s average depth of target was 15.7 yards–the seventh-highest among receivers. Pierce also had 30 percent of his targets come 20-plus yards downfield, and that ranked 14th.
While that has been the role Pierce has been tasked with filling, this year he wants to showcase his versatility and that he can make an impact at all levels of the field.
“For sure, I think there’s a lot more to my game,” Pierce said during OTAs. “I just want to have the chance to showcase that and I’m just working every day in practice to earn those reps and show what I can do.”
The next two weeks are going to play a huge role in determining whether it is Pierce or Mitchell starting, with the Colts have three preseason games and three joint practices during that span. While, of course, the splash plays are great and needed, the day-to-day consistency will be a key factor in deciding this competition.
However, regardless of whoever wins that role, both Pierce and Mitchell are going to be factors for the Colts this season.