Colts' Alec Pierce, CJ Allen Start Training Camp On PUP List

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday that wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) and linebacker CJ Allen (calf) have been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list to start training camp.

The team also waived running back Lincoln Pare with a non-football injury designation.

When the team begins camp practices on Wednesday, it will be without Pierce, which was expected, but not Allen, which is a new development. Allen tweaked his calf while working out in preparation for camp, but the Colts do not feel the injury is long-term.

Pierce had been bothered by pain in his left ankle since late in the 2024 season. He played through it in 2025, leading the NFL in yards per reception both seasons, but opted for the fix after the season ended.

First, Pierce got a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shot in January to see if that would resolve the issue. After several weeks without ideal results, he opted for a procedure to resolve the issue, which carried a four-to-sixth-month recovery. That put his return anywhere from the start of training camp, into September, so he is still inside that expected timeline.

Pierce signed a new four-year, $114 million contract in the offseason to become the Colts' new top receiver, so the sooner he can return to the field and immerse himself in his new role, the better.

In Pierce's absence, expect to see more from Ashton Dulin, Laquon Treadwell, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in the X-receiver role, while Josh Downs holds down the Z-receiver and slot duties.

As for Allen, he was handpicked by the Colts to become their new MIKE linebacker, as they chose him with the 53rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team traded longtime starter Zaire Franklin in the offseason in an effort to get younger and faster in their front seven.

Allen was lauded before and after the draft for his preparation, leadership, and football IQ. As a rookie who will be counted on to orchestrate the defense and eventually be the "green dot" who relays the calls to his teammates, his presence is paramount.

With Allen sidelined, it'll likely be primarily Akeem Davis-Gaither and Bryce Boettcher lining up as the first-team linebackers until Allen returns.

Pare (5'8", 190, 25 years old) was a rookie undrafted free agent out of Texas State picked up by the Colts following the draft. In 59 career games (26 starts) at TSU and Arkansas State, Pare had 656 carries for 3,359 yards (5.1 avg.) and 27 touchdowns, as well as 117 receptions for 1,023 yards (8.7 avg.) and seven touchdowns.