Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is eligible to return to practice this week, however, it doesn't sound like that will be the case.

On Monday, head coach Shane Steichen was asked if Pierce would be designated to return from injured reserve this week, but he said, "most likely not," according to Jake Arthur.

Pierce is still rehabbing his re-aggravated left heel, which he injured in Week 2 against Kansas City.

The Colts' passing game has greatly missed Pierce's presence. Not only is this unit lacking big-play potential, but opponents aren't worried about the Indianapolis passing game beating them deep.

This allows defenses to defend the Colts more aggressively by shrinking the field, which makes moving the ball on short-to-intermediate routes more difficult and can impact the run game as well.

Over the last two seasons, Pierce has led the NFL in yards per catch. He eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in 2025.

This offseason, Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million deal to return to the Colts in free agency.