After recently being removed from the PUP list due to an offseason ankle surgery, Alec Pierce has now stated that "the goal" is to play in Week 1. While on the surface that is good news, it also implies that there is a chance that he will not be ready for the start of the season. It's fair to be optimistic when it comes to Pierce, but fantasy owners should also be prepared just in case he's not out there on opening week.
Colts WR Alec Pierce (ankle) says "Week 1 is the goal" after being activated from the PUP list yesterday."First time being back out there, you got to knock a bit of rust off, but been working in PT... they've been doing a good job preparing me, getting me ready." pic.twitter.com/JSaVc5TJuG— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 28, 2026Fantasy Impact
WR Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
Pierce has been one of our favorite sleepers this season, but his ADP has been suppressed because of this lingering ankle issue that he had surgery on in March. Currently, he's being drafted as the fantasy WR39 overall, but he is going to have a massive role in the Colts offense, and there are likely a lot of fantasy owners relying on him for Week 1.
Even if he's out there Week 1, there is a real chance that Pierce gets off to a slow start to the season. However, he's a scary player to bench because he can win you a week on just one or two plays. We would advise being cautious even if he's active, but don't bench him for a significantly lesser player.
