{
  "id": 11724609,
  "title": "Daniel Jones confident Colts can stay explosive without Alec Pierce",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/daniel-jones-confident-colts-can-stay-explosive-without-alec-pierce",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T16:44:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/daniel-jones-confident-colts-stay-164437599.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indy Colts' quarterback Daniel Jones remains confident that the team can maintain an explosive offense even without injured wide receiver Alec Pierce. Jones acknowledged Pierce's special talent, stating, \"Alec's a special player, without a doubt.\" However, he emphasized that the Colts' coaching staff possesses the ability to devise new strategies and create matchups that will enable explosive plays. Jones also noted that multiple players have risen to the challenge during Pierce's absence. Pierce suffered a heel injury during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs and is now on injured reserve, expected to miss the next four games. Despite this setback, the Colts have proven their capability to generate significant gains without Pierce's presence. Last week, Jones showcased his accuracy and passing ability in a 19-17 victory over Houston, completing 24 of 36 passes for 235 yards, including four lengthy passes of at least 20 yards. Key contributors in the passing game included Keenan Allen, who had 26 and 20-yard catches, and Josh Downs, who produced 24 and 18-yard receptions. The addition of wide receiver Darius Slayton could further bolster the team's vertical threat, offering an alternative to Pierce while he recovers. This approach appears to be a blueprint for keeping the Colts' passing game dynamic and effective during Pierce's recovery period.",
  "summary": "Daniel Jones believes the Colts still have the personnel and coaching to manufacture explosive plays while Alec Pierce remains sidelined.",
  "key_points": [
    "Daniel Jones confident Colts can stay explosive without Pierce.",
    "Pierce injured, expected to miss four games due to heel injury.",
    "Colts adapt with new strategies and key players like Allen and Downs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}