Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce did not receive a second platelet-rich plasma injection in his left ankle, general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday morning ahead of a joint practice with the New England Patriots.
A league source who told The Athletic on Monday night that Pierce had received another PRP injection acknowledged Tuesday that they misspoke.
Ballard said Tuesday morning that Pierce has not undergone an operation since ankle surgery in March. Pierce received his first — and only — PRP injection in January, “which is normal,” Ballard said.
“(He was) trying to clear up some of the soreness (at the time),” the GM said. Ballard still anticipates Pierce will be ready to suit up for Indianapolis Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Colts signed Pierce to a four-year, $114 million contract in March, which is the richest free-agent receiver contract in NFL history. He is now the 15th-highest-paid wideout in the league based on annual salary.
Pierce is set to become the Colts’ No. 1 receiver this season, especially after the team traded veteran Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. Pittman led the Colts in receptions in four of the past five seasons. Pierce, however, has emerged as one of the NFL’s top deep threats. He’s led the league in yards per reception in back-to-back seasons (22.3 in 2024 and 21.3 in 2025). Pierce also totaled 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on just 47 catches last year. He is only the third receiver in the last 30 years to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a single season on fewer than 50 catches, joining Mike Williams (2019) and DeSean Jackson (2010).
In other Colts injury news, rookie linebacker CJ Allen did not practice Tuesday in New England. Cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. also was not at Tuesday’s practice due to “some back pain and irritation,” Ballard said. There is no timeline for his return.
