Ravens could face Colts star WR Alec Pierce in the season opener

Baltimore's Week 1 matchup against Indianapolis will feature plenty of star power, and the most explosive pass catcher for both teams will be available. The Ravens could face the Indianapolis Colts’ most dangerous downfield receiver when the teams open the regular season Sept. 13 after Colts coach Shane Steichen said Tuesday that Alec Pierce is expected to return to practice this week if his rehabilitation continues according to plan. Pierce has been sidelined throughout the summer after undergoing offseason surgery on his left ankle.

Indianapolis previously avoided placing a firm timeline on Pierce’s return, making Steichen’s update an encouraging development for the Colts. Returning to practice would give Pierce nearly three weeks to improve his conditioning, rebuild timing with quarterback Daniel Jones and prepare for the opener.

Good news: Colts WR Alec Pierce (ankle) is expected to return to practice this week if all goes to plan, according to coach Shane Steichen.

Relatedly, cornerback Charvarius Ward (back) will practice today.

Participation this week would not guarantee that Pierce plays against Baltimore or receives a full workload. It would, however, significantly improve his chances of being available. Indianapolis made Pierce the featured receiver in its restructured passing game after trading Michael Pittman Jr. during the offseason. The Colts re-signed Pierce in March to a four-year, $114 million contract that includes $84 million guaranteed and can reach $116 million.

Pierce is coming off the best season of his four-year career. The 6-foot-4, 211-pound receiver caught 47 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. His value extends beyond the total production. Pierce led the NFL in yards per reception in consecutive seasons, averaging 22.3 yards in 2024 and 21.3 yards last season. He became the first player since Flipper Anderson in 1989 and 1990 to average at least 20 yards per catch on 35 or more receptions in consecutive seasons.

Pierce’s size and vertical speed would present an immediate test for a Baltimore secondary featuring Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie, Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks. The Ravens will need to prevent explosive completions while accounting for Pierce’s ability to win contested opportunities downfield.

Baltimore has spent the offseason rebuilding its roster for a return to the postseason. Steichen’s update suggests its first test could include the Colts’ most explosive receiving weapon.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens could face Colts star WR Alec Pierce in the season opener