Alec Pierce (heel) listed as limited on Wednesday

Pierce missed most of training camp while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, but the fifth-year speedster is expected to be on the field when the Colts take on the Ravens in the season opener. ESPN’s Stephen Holder noted that “it’s very possible” some of Pierce’s workload will be split between Keenan Allen and Ashton Dulin as he continues to ramp up after an extended absence, but Pierce will be on the field in some capacity on Sunday. Unfortunately, this makes him a risky bet for fantasy purposes unless Steichen can alleviate any concerns about Pierce being on a pitch count to start the season.

Warren is recovering from an apparently minor groin injury. By all accounts he should be a full go for Week 1. Warren last season was top three among tight ends in targets per route run and first-read target rate in the balanced Colts offense. He’ll offer a sturdy weekly floor and could lead the team in targets in 2026 if he stays healthy.

Pierce missed most of training camp while recovering from offseason ankle surgery after signing a huge contract extension with the Colts. Pierce appears on track to suit up for Week 1. Whether Pierce is on some sort of pitch count remains to be seen. Pierce should eventually function as the team’s WR1, operating as more than a strictly downfield threat. He should be seen as a flex play for now.

Pierce said the Colts have been doing a good job of preparing him to play even while sidelined, and with 16 days to go before the Colts host the Ravens in Week 1, it’s not inconceivable that he could be ready in time for the season opener. The Colts will continue to ramp Pierce up in the coming weeks, making his status one to monitor, especially when teams begin releasing official injury reports ahead of game day. If he is able to play, fantasy managers should view Pierce as anything more than a boom/bust WR3 until we see how he looks on the field.

Pierce has been on the PUP list throughout training camp as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. Head coach Shane Steichen said earlier this week that he expects Pierce to return to practice in the coming days. Pierce was spotted getting some individual work in today. Coming off the PUP list means Pierce shouldn’t miss four games to start the season, but it doesn’t guarantee that he is ready for the season opener. His health will be one of the biggest storylines to monitor for the Colts’ offense over the next two weeks.

Downs is out of practice once again. He previously missed time in camp with a groin injury. Downs dealt with a slew of health issues last year and the fact that things continue to crop up is concerning, but it doesn’t sound like the latest injury will hold him out long. he told reporters he thinks he will be back soon, and the fact that he was even allowed to talk to the media is a good sign. With Alec Pierce still on the mend from offseason ankle surgery, Downs and Keenan Allen could be the team’s top receivers to start the year. As long as Downs stays healthy, he should put up WR3 fantasy numbers this season.

Pierce, who’s been sidelined since undergoing ankle surgery in the spring following the signing of his contract extension with the Colts, will practice this week barring any setbacks, Steichen said. It’s good news for Pierce’s Week 1 availability after the team’s de facto WR1 missed training camp while recovering from the ankle issue. Pierce is expected to see more intermediate targets this season after operating strictly as a field stretcher over the past few seasons. Pierce in 2025 led the league in air yards per game; his 44 percent air yards share ranked fourth among receivers. Pierce profiles as a somewhat sneaky fantasy selection after his ADP has steadily sunk over the past month.

Rapoport believes Warren will resume practicing in “a week or so.” He also expects “Warren’s role to grow” in his second NFL season. That makes sense. Warren’s 106 targets trailed only WR Michael Pittman’s 110. Pittman left Indy to join the Steelers this offseason, clearing the way for Warren to be the team’s top target earner. The soft-tissue injury adds some risk to Warren’s profile, but he should still be drafted as a mid-to-high TE1.

Steichen adds that the team will be cautious with Warren’s recovery, but chose not to share details regarding the injury’s severity beyond that. If healthy, the second-year tight end is a candidate to lead the team in targets this season after racking up 106 as a rookie. The Colts’ pass-catching corps is in a tough spot, with WR Alec Pierce (ankle) still sidelined. If Warren cannot play in Week 1, WR Josh Downs would presumably handle a sizable target share, operating as the team’s clear-cut No. 1 target earner. Stay tuned.

According to Boyd, Warren “went down” while running a route during 11-on-11 drills. He “got up clutching at his groin area” before making his way to the sideline to meet with the Colts’ training staff. FOX 59’s Mike Chappell said Warren was exhibiting a limp while leaving the field. This is not the kind of news we want to hear, but the second-year tight end still has time to rehab a minor tweak before the regular season opener. Stay tuned.