Colts starter who seemed to be progressing in the right direction falls short of goal and it impacts the team’s Week 5 matchup

Colts will be without a key starter after he missed Friday’s practice unexpectedly

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Colts head coach Shane Steichen greets RB Jonathan Taylor and QB Daniel Jones
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts had multiple injuries that had the attention of fans heading into Friday’s practice. One of them was WR Alec Pierce, who missed Week 4 due to being in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He made solid progress this week by practicing on Wednesday and Thursday and appeared to be on track to clear protocol and return to the field in Week 5. However, Friday threw everything for a loop, and he is now being ruled out for their Week 5 matchup vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.

Alec Pierce’s 2025 stats

  • 9 catches
  • 7 first downs
  • 171 yards
  • Longest reception: 44 yards

Colts WR Alec Pierce fails to clear concussion protocol

Colts WR Alec Pierce makes a catch vs. Titans
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) is stopped by Tennessee Titans cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. (39) during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

For the second straight week, the Colts will be without their leading WR in 2024 and their top deep threat in Alec Pierce. Pierce suffered a concussion in the team’s Week 3 win over AFC South rivals the Tennessee Titans. Due to a lot of Pierce’s role being down the field, he actually falls lower in terms of targets than many may think. He has been targeted 13 times in three games this season and has caught nine of the passes for 171 yards. He is fifth on the team in targets behind Michael Pittman Jr., Tyler Warren, Josh Downs, and Jonathan Taylor.

With Pierce sidelined again in Week 5, the Colts have a big decision to make. Last week, Adonai Mitchell was elevated into the starting lineup to replace him. He led the team in receiving yards in Week 5, but the biggest takeaway from the game was that he had two massive mistakes wipe out two touchdowns. He fumbled a should have been touchdown out of the endzone due to losing control of the ball at the inch line. He also had a holding call in the fourth quarter, taking away a fantastic run by Jonathan Taylor that would have been a touchdown.

Some have wondered if the Colts will make Mitchell inactive in Week 5 as a punishment for his mistakes that many believe cost the team a win. Now that it is offical that Pierce will be inactive, though I don’t think they can afford to do that. If they do feel the need to have a punishment, they can have Ashton Dulin serve as the starter with Mitchell available as a reserve. If they make him inactive, the Colts would only have four WRs on their active roster, and if any injury occurred, it would be beyond thin at the position.

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