As the 2026 fantasy football season approaches, analysts are already flagging several sleepers and risks, and one name that has drawn particular scrutiny is Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Eisenberg, the long‑time CBS Sports fantasy guru, has placed Pierce on his 2026 “do not draft” list, citing an ankle injury that required offseason surgery and left the player on the physically unable to perform list throughout training camp.
Assessing Pierce's Health
The analyst notes that Pierce’s average draft position sits at 84.3, which would typically land him around the eleventh round, but he urges managers to hold off until the player is fully cleared, warning that overpaying for a compromised asset could hurt a roster.
Pierce’s recent production adds a layer of complexity; he posted at least 13 PPR points in four of his final six games in 2025, a surge that many attribute to the injury of quarterback Daniel Jones, whose torn Achilles forced the offense into a new rhythm.
While some view Pierce as a high‑upside play once healthy, Eisenberg points out that his injury history resembles that of established stars like Keenan Allen, making him a risky bet for early rounds.
Instead, the analyst suggests targeting Josh Downs as a safer option, emphasizing that waiting for Pierce’s full recovery will likely yield a more reliable return on investment.