ALEC PIERCE RULED OUT WITH HEEL INJURY AGAINST CHIEFS

The Indianapolis Colts have ruled out wide receiver Alec Pierce for their game against the Kansas City Chiefs after he sustained a heel injury, the team said. Pierce was initially listed as questionable to return before medical staff downgraded him to out entirely. He was hurt early in Sunday's contest, hopped off the field and was examined in the sideline medical tent, according to reports. He was then carted back to the locker room for further assessment. Before leaving the game, Pierce had recorded one catch for 11 yards. At the time of his exit, the Colts led Kansas City 13-10, having gone ahead in the second quarter on a 49-yard field goal from Spencer Shrader.

The injury occurred in the same heel that Pierce had surgically repaired during the offseason, according to reports. Pierce is regarded as the Colts' leading receiver and has led the NFL in yards per reception in each of the past two seasons, according to reports. He signed a four-year contract worth $114 million during the offseason to remain with the Colts. The deal underlined the team's reliance on him as a key offensive target heading into the season.

No timetable has been given for Pierce's recovery, and the extent of the injury remains unclear. The Colts continued their game against the Chiefs without him, protecting a lead built in part by Shrader's second-quarter field goal. Further examination will determine whether Pierce faces additional time out of the lineup. His absence represents a notable loss for Indianapolis's passing game given his production over the past two seasons.