Alec Pierce remains sidelined after offseason surgery on his left ankle, and the Indianapolis Colts still are not placing a firm timeline on the wide receiver's return, general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday. Ballard's update came after multiple reports on Monday, including from ESPN, cited sources that indicated Pierce had a recent platelet rich plasma injection, but Ballard said the reports are not accurate, specifying that Pierce underwent PRP treatment only in January.

"It's been like any rehab," Ballard said. "There's ups and downs. There's a new normal that they have to get used to. But there's no setback. He's in good shape. He's making great progress." The Colts re-signed Pierce in March to a four-year, $114 million extension to be their featured receiver after the offseason trade of Michael Pittman Jr. But ankle and heel issues have blunted excitement for Pierce's 2026 season.

After the original PRP treatment did not have the desired effect, Pierce and the Colts collectively decided surgery was the best option. Asked whether Pierce would return in time for the regular season, Ballard said: "That's the expectation. It's kind of day-to-day." Elsewhere, Ballard said starting cornerback Charvarius Ward remained in Indianapolis during the team's joint practice and preseason game this week with the New England Patriots because of back soreness.