WEEK 1 CONFIDENCE UP

Alec Pierce is trending toward playing in Indianapolis' Week 1 opener against Baltimore.

Shane Steichen said Pierce "should be good" for Sunday after the receiver spent the offseason recovering from ankle surgery. Pierce began training camp on PUP, was activated in late August and has been working through his practice ramp.

This is the strongest indication yet that the Colts expect their primary vertical threat to be available for the opener.

BACK IN WR3/FLEX RANGE

Remove most of the Week 1 absence discount from Pierce.

He can move back into WR3/FLEX consideration, particularly for managers looking for big-play upside.

Wednesday's official participation report still matters for projecting workload, but managers no longer need to approach Week 1 as though Pierce is likely to sit.

Alec Pierce — WR, Indianapolis Colts

WEEK 1 CONFIDENCE UP

There is a difference between targeting Week 1 and your head coach saying you should be good to play.

Pierce has crossed that line.

We still want the official practice participation before assuming a completely unrestricted workload, especially after ankle surgery and an abbreviated summer.

But the availability question has moved substantially in the right direction.

Pierce is back on the Week 1 board.