Alec Pierce Injured, Latest Updates on Colts WR's Heel After Being Carted Off vs. Chiefs

The Indianapolis Colts are dealing with an injury to their star receiver.

Alec Pierce exited Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter because of a heel injury. He was carted to the locker room after spending time in the medical tent.

The Colts ruled Pierce out in the second quarter. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that X-rays came back negative, and Pierce will undergo further evaluation on Monday.

Pierce was running a route and appeared to get a bit tripped up before hobbling off the field. He had one reception for 11 yards before exiting.

While it appears to be a heel injury rather than an ankle injury, it's worth noting that Pierce underwent surgery on his ankle in March and started training camp on the physically unable to perform list, from which he was not activated until late August.

Pierce, a 2022 second-round pick, is coming off a career-best season in which he recorded 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, leading the Colts' receiver room.

In last week's 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Piece had a team-high four receptions for 61 yards.

While the severity of Piece's injury is to be determined, the Colts will need to find some offense elsewhere until he's back on the field. Josh Downs will presumably be Daniel Jones' top offensive option, and Keenan Allen will likely see an increase in targets.

Jones should also look to tight end Tyler Warren as an additional option.

Injuries to star players have unfortunately been the storyline for the Colts over the last year. Indianapolis was on its way to the playoffs last season when Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles, and the team went on to miss the postseason following an 8-2 start.

The Colts are hoping to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 this year, but a lengthy injury to Pierce would make that goal very difficult.