AlecPierce

News: 3 days agoCoach Shane Steichen said Pierce (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Nathan Brown of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Spin: It marks Pierce's first full practice of the summer after he underwent offseason ankle surgery. GM Chris Ballard said Tuesday that the "hope" was Pierce would be ready for the team's Week 1 opener against the Ravens, and this return to full work would suggest the wideout is on the path to playing Sunday, Sept. 13. Pierce is expected to operate as Daniel Jones' clear top outside field-stretching weapon this season, while Josh Downs (calf), Keenan Allen and Tyler Warren (groin) mostly work in the short and intermediate areas.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Pierce has spent the majority of his first four NFL seasons as a situational deep threat, but that didn't stop him from becoming one of the league's highest-paid wide receivers during the offseason. The 2022 second-round pick is fresh off a career year and he's now paced all receivers in YPR, YPT and aDOT each of the last two seasons. However, he's yet to finish a season better than 48th at WR in target share (18%), 42nd in targets (84), 45th in catches (47), 18th in yards (1,003), 18th in TDs (seven) or 25th in fantasy PPG. Of course, with Michael Pittman Jr. no longer in the mix, Pierce is a good bet for a more well-rounded role as Daniel Jones' top target. There's some risk here, but the 26-year-old's hefty contract suggests we should take him seriously as a fantasy WR3.