What is confirmed
Pierce has been on injured reserve since he aggravated his surgically repaired left heel in the Colts' Week 2 loss to Kansas City. The heel was operated on in the offseason. He caught five passes for 72 yards before he went down, and he has led the NFL in yards per reception in each of the past two seasons.
Steichen's comments mean the Colts will not open Pierce's 21-day practice window this week. Once a team opens that window, it has 21 days to activate the player or leave him on IR for the rest of the season. With no practice snaps this week, Pierce is out for Sunday's 1 p.m. ET game at Minnesota.
What else is out there
Colts Wire noted that The Athletic saw Pierce in a walking boot during the Week 6 game against Tennessee. RotoWire, citing The Indianapolis Star, expects the Colts to bring him back slowly given the recurring nature of the injury and the money they have invested in him. Neither outlet gave a target date.
What it means for RSO owners
Pierce's value in RSO leagues comes from his big-play role, and a heel that keeps flaring up is a real concern for a receiver who wins deep. A boot in Week 6 and no practice in Week 7 point to a return closer to midseason than to next week.
If your league has an IR slot, leave him there and do not count on him for your Week 7 or Week 8 lineups. If you are tight on roster spots, hold him unless you need the spot for an immediate starter, since the injury is not season-ending and his contract keeps him central to the Colts' plans. Contenders who are short at receiver should look for help elsewhere now instead of waiting on him.
