Colts activate WR Alec Pierce off PUP after March ankle surgery

The Indianapolis Colts have officially taken their top wide receiver off the shelf. The team activated WR Alec Pierce from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list on Thursday, per Adam Schefter, after he rehabbed from ankle surgery performed in March.

Pierce underwent the procedure on his left ankle and heel and now will start ramping up with hopes of being ready for the Colts' regular-season opener. Colts beat writer Mike Chappell first reported the move, noting Pierce had been rehabbing and was expected to come off PUP this week. Head coach Shane Steichen had said earlier that Pierce would not practice but was in a "really good spot" and the team hoped he would practice this week, with a league deadline to make a move by Sunday at 6 p.m.

Schefter added that the Colts had now officially removed Pierce from PUP. The timing matters for a Colts offense counting on its perimeter speed: Pierce is Indianapolis's lead outside threat, and getting him back on the field in live drills is a meaningful step toward Week 1 availability.