Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen defended the team’s approach to its wide receiver depth after Alec Pierce suffered a heel injury, saying the front office evaluated its options.
Asked why Indianapolis did not make a bigger move at receiver following Pierce’s injury, Steichen pointed to the work general manager Chris Ballard did while assessing available players.
“I think we did our homework and (GM Chris Ballard) did his homework. And we were looking out there. Obviously, we brought in Keenan (Allen), and then we brought in some other guys. …” Steichen said.
Steichen’s comments focused on the team’s evaluation process rather than a specific potential target. He confirmed Indianapolis explored the market and brought in veteran receiver Keenan Allen, along with other players, but did not identify the additional options considered.
Pierce’s absence removes a downfield threat. His injury increases the importance of the receivers still available and puts more pressure on the offense to create explosive plays without his speed on the perimeter.
Allen offers experience and a reliable slot option, but his presence does not automatically replace Pierce’s role. Indianapolis will need its remaining receivers to provide quarterback Daniel Jones with targets across the field.
The situation raises questions about how much the Colts can address internally instead of making another roster move. Steichen’s response suggests the organization believes it assessed the available choices, though he did not disclose the full scope of that evaluation.
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Indianapolis’ performances will help show whether the current group can absorb Pierce’s absence. The coaching staff must adjust the passing game, while Ballard’s decisions will remain under scrutiny if the receiver room struggles to produce.
For now, Steichen has backed the process. The challenge is turning that confidence into results, with the Colts needing production from their healthy receivers while Pierce recovers from his injury.
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