Alec Pierce Injury Update: What’s the Latest on the Colts WR, and Will He Play in Week 5?

The Indianapolis Colts recently suffered their first loss of the year (27-20) to the Los Angeles Rams.

While the Colts are still in good standings record-wise (3-1), their first loss of the year came while wide receiver Alec Pierce was unavailable due to injury.

What’s the Latest on Alec Pierce’s Status?

Pierce’s injury came on Sept. 21 against the Tennessee Titans in the form of a concussion. In what can only be described as a brutal video, Pierce’s concussion occurred during the third quarter at the 3:38 mark in a 42-yard reception.

He was most recently ruled out for Week 4 due to concussion protocol.

Pierce is a 6’3″, 211-pound wideout who was a former no. 53 overall draft pick back in 2022. In his career so far, the Illinois native has caught for 2,102 yards and 11 touchdowns.

He was drafted after playing college ball at Cincinnati. Pierce was Cincinnati’s top receiver in 2021 and collected All-AAC Second-Team honors. He ranks 15th in Cincinnati history with 1,834 career receiving yards and also set career highs in receiving yards (867) and receiving touchdowns (eight).

Before his injury, Pierce had nine receptions on 13 targets in the 2025 season. Cornerback Kenny Moore II (Achilles) and guard Matt Goncalves (toe) were also ruled out for the Week 4 game at SoFi Stadium.

According to the NFL Player Health and Safety, a player enters concussion protocol following an impact to the head if they exhibit or report symptoms or signs suggestive of a concussion, or if team faculty initiate the protocol in a joint effort.

The NFL player must then follow a five-step process before being cleared to practice or participate fully in an NFL game. The five steps and/or phases are as follows:

1. Symptom Limited Activity – The player is prescribed rest to avoid further aggravating concussion-related symptoms
2. Aerobic Exercise – The player begins graduated cardiovascular exercise, dynamic stretching, and balance training under direct oversight of the team’s medical staff.
3. Football-Specific Exercise – He then advances to sport-specific activities and is allowed to practice with the team in sport-specific exercise for 30 minutes or less under supervision.
4. Club-Based Non-Contact Training Drills – He can move on to position-specific activities (throwing, catching, running, etc.)
5. Full Football Activity/Clearance – The player must be examined by the Independent Neurological Consultant (INC) assigned to his franchise. If the club physician reaches an agreement with the INC that the player’s concussion has resolved, he is then cleared to participate in the Club’s next practice or game.

The average concussion recovery ranges from seven to 14 days for adults, as previously mentioned. Pierce’s concussion occurred on Sept. 21.

On Friday, the Colts officially ruled out Pierce for the Week 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.