Analysis

Pierce was surprisingly the Colts' most impactful receiver for the second time in as many games to open the season, recording team-high reception and receiving yardage totals while also tying for the lead in targets. Pierce also recorded his second touchdown of the season -- matching both his 2022 and 2023 totals -- on a four-yard grab with just under two minutes remaining. The chemistry between Anthony Richardson and Pierce is undeniable, but it remains to be seen how the third-year wideout's targets will be affected by the eventual season debut of Josh Downs (ankle).

Analysis

The third-year wideout made a huge impact as a deep threat for Anthony Richardson, hauling in a 60-yard TD in the first quarter and adding a 57-yard reception in the fourth on the Colts' final scoring drive. Seven of Pierce's 76 career catches have gone for 40 yards or more, an impressive ratio that seems likely to get even better if Richardson stays healthy this season. In Week 2, Pierce will take aim at a Packers secondary that gave up plenty of big plays to the Eagles in its opener.

Analysis

Pierce is the top candidate to start on the outside opposite Michael Pittman, as rookie second-round pick Adonai Mitchell is likely to play primarily in the slot. Pierce has seen plenty of playing time in his first two seasons but often has been used as a decoy to stretch the field without getting substantial target volume, as he finished short of 600 receiving yards and scored only two touchdowns in each campaign.

Analysis

Pierce will be hoping that the opening drive was a preview of what we'll see in the regular season, as he caught two of Anthony Richardson's first three passes and accounted for 31 of Richardson's 65 passing yards on the possession. That drive was capped by a nine-yard touchdown catch from rookie first-round pick Adonai Mitchell, who is competing with Pierce for regular-season playing time. If Josh Downs (ankle) isn't ready to play in the Sept. 8 season opener against the Texans, both Pierce and Mitchell would be in line for significant roles alongside No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman.

Analysis

With Josh Downs sidelined with a high ankle sprain, both Mitchell and Pierce should play significant snaps with Mitchell moving to the slot receiver role. Pierce and Mitchell are competing for the No. 3 receiver role, but the competition may be delayed if Downs misses regular-season games. Pierce has underwhelmed in his two seasons with the Colts, averaging just 554 yards and two touchdowns per year, so there's some risk his role could decrease.

Analysis

Mitchell and Pierce have been splitting time with the first-team offense so far in training camp, with reports suggesting Pierce has been more productive but Mitchell has had impressive moments. It's still early in the competition for playing time, but it's notable that the Colts are giving the rookie equal billing so soon rather than deferring to the more senior wideout. Pierce has underwhelmed in his two seasons with the Colts, averaging just 554 yards and two touchdowns a year, so there's some risk he could quickly lose playing time to Mitchell, a 2024 second-round pick.

Analysis

Mitchell and Pierce are battling for the No. 3 receiver role in the offense. It's still early in camp, but it's notable that Pierce as the veteran didn't immediately get all the reps with the first unit. Pierce has underwhelmed by averaging just 554 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the Colts, so there's some risk he could quickly lose playing time to Mitchell, a 2024 second-round pick.

Analysis

Pierce missed the final day of mandatory minicamp last month, but it was termed precautionary at the time. The third-year wideout is back on the field and was working with the first-team offense alongside Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, notably ahead of rookie Adonai Mitchell. Pierce has also seen reps as a return man with the new kickoff rule going into effect in 2024.

Analysis

Pierce hasn't practice this week after his foot was stepped on in a previous practice, but it doesn't appear that there's any worry about his status for training camp. The 2022 second-round pick is competing with rookie second-rounder Adonai Mitchell for No. 3 receiver reps behind Michael Pittman (knee) and Josh Downs, so missing any amount of time could portent a hit to Pierce's stock. In two seasons with the Colts, Pierce has averaged a mediocre 554 yards and two touchdowns, but he could've been held back by questionable quarterback play.