Two weeks ago, Ballard had indicated that Pierce might need an additional week or two for recovery, but it appears that timeline may not be accurate. Despite the uncertainty, Ballard reassured fans and the team that there is no reason for concern regarding Pierce's rehabilitation. "It's been like any rehab," Ballard stated. "There are ups and downs. There's a new normal that they have to get used to. But there's no setback. He's in good shape. He's making great progress. Every player comes back differently, and we feel good about where he's at."
Contract and Expectations
The Colts secured Pierce's future with a four-year, $114 million contract extension in March, positioning him as a key player following the offseason trade of Michael Pittman Jr. However, ongoing ankle and heel issues have tempered expectations for Pierce's performance in the upcoming 2026 season. After the initial PRP treatment failed to yield the desired results, both Pierce and the Colts agreed that surgery was necessary to alleviate the persistent soreness he experienced throughout the previous season. "I was kind of struggling [last season]," Pierce reflected in June.
When asked about the possibility of Pierce returning in time for the regular season, Ballard expressed optimism, stating, "That's the expectation. It's kind of day to day." In other news, Ballard mentioned that starting cornerback Charvarius Ward is currently sidelined due to back soreness, remaining in Indianapolis during the team's joint practice and preseason game with the New England Patriots this week.
