Colts injury updates: Alec Pierce won't be back for Falcons joint practices

Westfield – After a few days of individual drills off to the side, wide receiver Alec Pierce returned to his routine, remaining close to his coach Reggie Wayne. Colts' officials expressed satisfaction with Pierce's rehabilitation from March ankle surgery, five months after the procedure. Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds emphasized his confidence in Pierce during a press conference ahead of the team's regular season opener against the Ravens.

Pierce had undergone a platelet-rich plasma injection after the season, hoping to avoid surgery. However, the treatment did not alleviate his pain, leading to the surgery that kept him on the sidelines for three weeks. Pierce hasn't played with the Colts since the injury, and the team does not anticipate his return in the next week, which includes joint practices with the Atlanta Falcons.

Several other key Colts players are still sidelined with injuries. Rookie linebacker CJ Allen rejoined the team after a hamstring injury, while Jalen Farmer and Derrick Nnadi returned after missing Saturday's practice. Charvarius Ward remains out with back pain and receiver Anthony Gould, who missed the last two practices with a groin injury, has now missed two consecutive practices.

Running back DJ Giddens, sidelined since late March with a hamstring injury, has made progress and will have an opportunity to reclaim his place on the depth chart when he returns to action. The Colts will face the Ravens in their second preseason game on Saturday.