Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce, fresh from a four‑year $114 million extension, confirmed he underwent left‑ankle surgery in March. The procedure follows persistent soreness that lingered throughout the 2024 season and worsened late last year. Pierce said the injury forced him into surgery despite attempts to avoid it, leaving his 2026 return uncertain. The timing coincided with his contract signing officially.

Recovery could take four to six months, potentially sidelining Pierce through training camp and the preseason. He tried platelet‑rich plasma therapy in January, a six‑to‑eight‑week regimen doctors described as a “Band‑Aid” fix, but the ankle showed insufficient improvement. He will begin weight‑bearing drills next week. Medical staff and the player agreed surgery was the only viable path forward.

Pierce emphasized a delicate balance between aggressive rehab and patience, noting over‑doing it fuels soreness and hampers healing. Missing the early season could affect Indianapolis' passing attack, which relied on his route‑running after the contract upgrade. Time will reveal if his speed returns fully. The Colts now must adjust their offensive scheme while monitoring his progress to determine roster moves.