The Indianapolis Colts have been riding high thanks to the resurgence of quarterback Daniel Jones, but they’ve been without star wide receiver Alec Pierce for the past two games. Pierce entered concussion protocol in Week 3 against the Titans and has remained sidelined. He was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, but questions remain about whether he will suit up on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.
What Is Alec Pierce’s Status for Week 6?
Pierce’s injury occurred on Sept. 21 against the Titans, when he suffered a concussion after a hard fall following a 42-yard reception from Jones in the third quarter. He was quickly attended to by the Colts’ medical staff and placed in concussion protocol, which kept him sidelined for Week 4 against the Rams.
Pierce practiced on Wednesday and Thursday before the Week 5 game against the Raiders, but he was absent on Friday and later ruled out for Sunday’s matchup. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that he had not yet cleared concussion protocol.
Pierce returned as a full participant in practice on Wednesday, but clearance from the protocol has still not been granted, leaving his status uncertain for the Week 6 game against the Cardinals.
Given his consistent participation in practice, however, he is expected to be ready for Sunday.
According to NFL Player Health and Safety guidelines, a player enters concussion protocol after a head impact if symptoms or signs suggestive of a concussion appear, or if the team’s medical staff initiates it as a precaution.
The process involves five steps before a player can return to full practice or game action:
- Symptom Limited Activity – The player is prescribed rest to avoid further aggravating concussion-related symptoms.
- Aerobic Exercise – The player begins graduated cardiovascular exercise, dynamic stretching, and balance training under direct oversight of the team’s medical staff.
- Football-Specific Exercise – He then advances to sport-specific activities and can practice sport-specific exercises with the team for 30 minutes or less under supervision.
- Club-Based Non-Contact Training Drills – He can move on to position-specific activities which includes throwing, catching, and running.
- 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 cleared to participate in the Club’s next practice or game.
Pierce has progressed through all the drills, with only INC clearance remaining. Prior to his injury, the fourth-year receiver had recorded nine receptions for 171 yards on 13 targets in the 2025 season.
If he’s not cleared for Sunday’s game, the Colts will continue to rely on Michael Pittman Jr. and tight end Tyler Warren, who leads the team in receiving yards with 307. Pittman, meanwhile, has 273 receiving yards and four touchdowns in five games, ranking 22nd in PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact metric.