Colts receiver Alec Pierce could return to practice this week

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Alec Pierce’s time sidelined could be coming to an end as early as this week.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Tuesday that he is “hopeful” Indy’s top receiver could return to practice before this weekend’s third and final preseason game against the Detroit Lions.

“He’s in a really good spot,” Steichen said.

Pierce has been sidelined since March when he had his ankle surgically repaired to fix a lingering issue that he was told would only get worse. He was seen limping during May and June’s OTAs and minicamp. During training camp, Pierce was constantly around the wide receiver group and doing his own low impact catching drills with receivers coach Reggie Wayne.

Whenever Pierce is cleared to practice, Steichen said there will be a ramp-up period as with every other return from injury.

“Get (him) into practice, get (him) into individual drills, possibly some team drills, and we’ll go from there,” Steichen said.

Steichen added that there have been no conversations about putting Pierce on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season.

Earlier this month, general manager Chris Ballard told traveling media before a joint practice in New England that he expects Pierce to be cleared and ready to play for Week 1’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.