Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Thursday, more than eight months after his last regulation NFL game, following offseason ankle surgery. Pierce practiced in a limited capacity and is working toward playing in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. "First time being back out here wearing a helmet, playing with the other NFL players," he said. "So, you've got to knock a little bit of rust off." Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension in March, confirming his role as the Colts' No. 1 receiver. He led the NFL in yards per catch for the second straight season with 21.3 before undergoing surgery.

The Colts return quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Jonathan Taylor, receiver Josh Downs, tight end Tyler Warren, and newly signed receiver Keenan Allen. Coach Shane Steichen said Pierce's return "brings a lot of juice to the football team." Pierce had his best professional season in 2025, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the first time with 1,003 yards on 47 catches.