Colts' wide receiver Alec Pierce has been spotted in worrying scenes as Indianapolis fans are left concerned over the $114 million NFL star's latest injury setback
Alec Pierce was spotted with a boot and crutches after being withdrawn in the first quarter
Alec Pierce was spotted with a boot and crutches after being withdrawn in the first quarter(Image: WISH-TV News)
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The Indianapolis Colts have been handed a potential concern after their $114 million star Alec Pierce was withdrawn from the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pierce limped off with a left heel injury after running a route at the end of the first quarter and was helped to the medical tent, unable to put weight on his leg. He was later carted to the locker room and taken for X-rays at Arrowhead Stadium. The X-rays came back negative, but Pierce is set for further tests on his injured heel Monday.
Pierce underwent surgery on his left ankle and heel in March and took five months to return to on-field team activities. Although he was cleared to start the 2026 NFL season, he was still working his way back to full fitness.
Pierce had established himself as one of the NFL's leading deep threats, topping the league in yards per reception in both 2024 (22.3) and 2025 (21.3). His absence significantly altered the Colts' offense, with Kansas City's secondary no longer having to worry as much about being beaten over the top.
Indianapolis was already without fellow speedster Ashton Dulin, who was sidelined with a left ankle injury. Pierce's injury was therefore a significant setback, with the length of his absence potentially affecting the Colts' season.
The Colts re-signed Pierce, a 2022 second-round pick, to a four-year, $114 million deal in March. The contract was the richest free-agent wide receiver deal in NFL history at the time, with Pierce ranking 15th among receivers in average annual salary.
Laquon Treadwell, a 2016 first-round pick, replaced Pierce in the lineup. The 11-year veteran recorded his first NFL catch in three years during Sunday's game against the Chiefs.
With Pierce sidelined, Josh Downs moved into the Colts' No. 1 receiver role, while offseason addition Keenan Allen was also in line for more targets. Tight end Tyler Warren also figured prominently early, scoring the game's first touchdown, and could see an increased role with Pierce unavailable.
An unusual overtime fumble appeared to hand the Chiefs a victory over the Colts, but Indianapolis regained an opportunity to win after the play. Instead, the Colts opted to play for a tie.
Kansas City made them pay for the decision. After both teams exchanged field goals in overtime, Patrick Mahomes followed two strong carries from Kenneth Walker III by completing a long pass to his running back.
The play set up Harrison Butker for a 40-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Chiefs a 33-30 victory and their second straight overtime win over Indianapolis.
The Colts' defense also showed few signs of improvement after a difficult Week 1 performance against the Baltimore Ravens, which they attributed to communication problems. Indianapolis had linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither call the defensive plays instead of safety Cam Bynum, but the change did little to solve the issues.