The Indianapolis Colts officially placed wide receiver Alec Pierce on injured reserve on Saturday after a heel injury forced him to miss the rest of the season. The move, announced by the team and reported by ESPN, begins the clock on Pierce’s rehabilitation and the possibility of a return later in the year.

Placing a player on injured reserve removes him from the active 53‑man roster, allowing the Colts to sign a replacement while Pierce focuses on healing. The reserve list is a standard NFL mechanism that teams use to manage injuries without losing a player’s rights. Pierce’s injury was confirmed by team medical staff, and the decision reflects the Colts’ commitment to his recovery.

In the 2023 season, Pierce proved to be a dependable slot receiver, catching 33 passes for 446 yards and two touchdowns. His absence will tighten the Colts’ receiving corps, which already competes for depth after the departure of key veterans. The team will need to adjust its game plan and may look to free‑agents or the practice squad to fill the void left by Pierce.

Moving forward, the Colts will monitor Pierce’s progress closely. If his rehab goes well, he could be activated later in the season, giving the Colts a boost in their pursuit of a playoff spot. Until then, the organization will continue to build depth at the position and prepare for the challenges of a long NFL campaign.