Colts WR Alec Pierce to Miss Practice

Indianapolis wide receiver Alec Pierce remains sidelined while Josh Downs manages a shoulder issue.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

Wide receiver Alec Pierce will not participate in practice this week as he remains on the injured reserve list. Although eligible for a return, reports indicate he is expected to remain out for several weeks.

Why it matters

The team must adjust its offensive rotation as Pierce continues his recovery and fellow receiver Josh Downs manages a lingering shoulder injury sustained during the loss to the Tennessee Titans. These absences impact the team's depth and passing game stability in Indianapolis.

Josh Downs recorded 4 receptions on 8 targets for 40 receiving yards and a 7-yard rush in the Week 6 loss, though he also committed two drops.

The players

Alec Pierce

Alec Pierce is a professional wide receiver currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts.

Josh Downs

Josh Downs is a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who has been a primary target in the team passing attack.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are a professional football franchise competing in the AFC South division of the NFL.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are a professional football team that competes in the AFC South division.

The details

Alec Pierce is confirmed to be off the practice field for the week while the team evaluates his timeline for return. Meanwhile, Josh Downs continues to play through a shoulder tweak that occurred during the recent matchup against the Titans.

October 2026: Alec Pierce will not participate in practice.

Season Trajectory

The team must navigate a tightening AFC South race while managing the health of key offensive weapons through the NFL Injured Reserve rules. These absences force the Colts to rely on depth players to maintain passing efficiency as the season progresses.

Fantasy owners should note Josh Downs remains active despite his shoulder injury, though his recent drops and increased targets against Tennessee suggest potential volatility. The ongoing absence of Pierce likely necessitates continued reliance on the remaining wide receiver rotation for the upcoming games.

The takeaway

Maintaining roster depth is essential as the Colts navigate the physical toll of a long season. Fans should monitor injury reports closely to understand how these personnel changes influence game-day offensive schemes.