of indianapolis colts The offense has been inconsistent this season, and a lot of that is due to the quarterback position. Anthony Richardson continues to show flashes, but lacks the consistency needed. It won't get much easier for Richardson in Week 13. new england patriots That's because he could potentially take out two of the top wide receivers. Wide receiver Josh Downs is expected to miss Sunday's game, but Alec Pierce's status remains in question.
Alec Pearce injury status
According to Indy Star's Nate AtkinsColts wide receiver Alec Pierce is listed as questionable by the team heading into Sunday's game against the Patriots. Pierce has been dealing with a foot injury and missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. However, Pierce was upgraded to the full roster ahead of Friday's game against the Patriots.
With Josh Downs already ruled out, Pierce will be the Colts' top option in the passing game. All eyes will be on his status Sunday morning. The Colts are scheduled to play the Patriots in New England at 1 p.m. ET.
What Alec Pearce's injury means for fantasy football
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce will take on an additional role starting in Week 13 with Josh Downs out with a shoulder injury. Michael Pittman will replace Downs as the top option in the passing game, while Pierce ranks third on the team with 48 goals this season.
With Downs out of the lineup for the first two weeks of the season, Pierce was Anthony Richardson's favorite target. In Weeks 1 and 2, Pierce had eight catches on 10 targets for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He was the WR8 for those few weeks. With Downs out, Pierce will jump into the WR2 role in the Colts offense.
If Pierce is unable to play Sunday, rookie Adonai Mitchell will likely see more playing time. Mitchell, a first-round pick, hasn't been as involved in the offense as some expected. He has caught multiple passes just once in the past four weeks. However, if Downs and Pierce are out of the lineup, Mitchell could get more playing time opposite Pittman.
Pittman remains a safe option in the Colts' passing game, especially with Downs already out. However, if Pierce plays, a flex could be worth considering.
Still, the Colts will likely rely heavily on New England's running game. The Patriots are allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. The Patriots also have never faced a quarterback as mobile as Richardson. So Richardson could also have some success running the ball.
