Colts Chiefs Football
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WRTV) -- Colts general manager Chris Ballard provided an update on wide receiver Alec Pierce's injury before the team's joint practice with the New England Patriots on Tuesday.
Ballard said Pierce has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery from surgery that he had on his ankle and heel in March. Ballard said Pierce is in good shape, is making great progress, and he feels good about where Pierce is at.
"I don't want to put a timeline on it, but we feel very positive about where he's heading," Ballard said.
Ballard added that the plan is for Pierce to be back for the start of the regular season.
Pierce had reportedly received a second platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection during his recovery from surgery, but Ballard said that Pierce has only received one. Pierce had a PRP injection in January before he had surgery to try to clear up some of the soreness. Ballard said that is normal, adding that they have guys get PRP injections all the time.
In addition to Pierce, Ballard said cornerback Charvarius Ward has some back pain and irritation that started after Sunday's practice. Ward did not travel with the team to New England and is back in Indianapolis rehabbing. Ballard said he is not going to put a timeline on Ward's injury because back injuries are "a little tricky."
The Colts open the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens on September 13.