Some good news for the Indianapolis Colts as they return to the practice field on Friday: wide receiver Alec Pierce was back and participating, according to The Athletic’s James Boyd.
Pierce was not on the initial injury report on Wednesday but would miss Thursday’s practice with a shoulder injury. When the final injury report is released later this afternoon, we will learn if he was a full or limited participant.
In his third NFL season, Pierce has emerged as one of the most productive downfield targets through six weeks.
On pass attempts of at least 20 yards, Pierce leads the league in receptions with six and in yards with 295. On those six receptions, Pierce is averaging almost 50 yards per catch.
Overall this year, Pierce has caught 13-of-22 passes for 368 yards and is averaging a hefty 28.3 yards per catch–which I’m sure as you guessed, leads the league.
When an offense has a true deep threat like Pierce, it alters the way that opponents have to defend the Indianapolis Colts’ offense. By having to be highly aware of the deep ball, that can create better spacing underneath on short to intermediate routes, along with opening up opportunities in the run game.
The Colts final injury report will be released later today, at which time we will learn if Pierce has an injury designation for Sunday’s game with Miami.