With the NFL Draft just days away, the focus for most teams is squarely on the future. For Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard, however, part of building that future involves taking stock of the present, specifically the health of key players already on the roster. In a recent press conference, Ballard offered a series of significant injury updates that will directly impact the team's strategy and expectations for the 2026 season.
The most encouraging news centered on the heart of the Colts' defense. Nose tackle Grover Stewart, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 12 last year, is reportedly progressing well in his rehabilitation.
"Grover's doing good," Ballard stated. "He's working his tail off. We expect him to be ready to go."
For a defense that struggled mightily against the run after Stewart's injury, his return cannot be overstated. Stewart forms one-half of arguably the most dominant interior defensive line duo in the NFL alongside DeForest Buckner. His ability to command double teams and shut down interior rushing lanes is a foundational element of Gus Bradley's defensive scheme. A healthy Stewart not only boosts the run defense but also creates more one-on-one opportunities for Buckner and the team's edge rushers. His expected readiness for training camp is a massive win for a unit looking to re-establish its identity.
Speaking of Buckner, the perennial Pro Bowler also received a positive update, though with a minor caveat. Ballard noted that Buckner is dealing with some offseason maintenance but is not expected to be limited.
"Buck's good. He's just working through some stuff, but he'll be fine," Ballard said.
For a player of Buckner's caliber and consistency, this type of routine offseason management is standard. He has been remarkably durable throughout his career, and the Colts will undoubtedly manage his workload during OTAs and minicamp to ensure he's at full strength when it matters. His presence, alongside Stewart, immediately elevates the defensive front from a question mark to a known strength.
The update that gave fans and analysts the most pause, however, concerned third-year wide receiver Alec Pierce. The 2023 second-round pick, who has shown flashes of downfield brilliance but has yet to post a consistent breakout season, is dealing with a shoulder injury.
"Alec Pierce, he's got a shoulder [injury] he's working through," Ballard revealed. "Probably be sometime during training camp [before he's ready]."
This news casts a shadow over Pierce's critical offseason. For a player whose value is tied to his elite size, speed, and contested-catch ability, a shoulder injury that lingers into training camp is a legitimate concern. It potentially limits his ability to build crucial chemistry with quarterback Anthony Richardson and could hinder his development within Shane Steichen's offense. With Michael Pittman Jr. locked in as the alpha WR1 and Josh Downs emerging as a dynamic slot weapon, this is a pivotal year for Pierce to cement his role. A delayed start to camp puts him at a disadvantage in that competition.
This update also subtly influences the Colts' draft calculus. While Ballard has consistently preached building through the trenches, a receiver room with a question mark behind Pittman and Downs might make the front office more amenable to selecting a pass-catcher if the right value presents itself, especially in the middle rounds. Pierce's situation is not a crisis, but it introduces an element of uncertainty at a position where the Colts could use more proven depth.
Ballard also provided a brief update on third-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies, who missed the end of his debut season. "Carlies is doing good. He'll be ready to go," the GM said. Carlies, a 2025 draft pick, showed promise in a rotational role and on special teams before his injury. His health adds depth to a linebacker corps that will be looking for players to step up alongside Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed.
Finally, Ballard touched on the status of 2025 seventh-round pick Micah Abraham, who spent his rookie season on the practice squad. "Abraham, he's doing good. He's working," was the succinct assessment. Abraham will be one of many young players fighting for a roster spot in a secondary that is undergoing transition.
Taken together, these updates paint a picture of a Colts team in a familiar phase: managing the attrition of an NFL season while planning for the next. The positive news on Stewart and Buckner stabilizes the defense's core. The situation with Alec Pierce, however, serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of roster construction and how quickly offseason plans can require adjustment.
As Ballard and his staff put the final touches on their draft board, they do so with a clearer picture of what they have--and what they might need. A healthy Grover Stewart changes the defensive blueprint. A recovering Alec Pierce adds a variable to the offensive weapon equation. In the complex puzzle of building a contender, every piece of health information is crucial. For the Colts, the foundation appears solid, but as these updates show, the devil--and the depth--is always in the details.