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Stampede Blue fantasy football takes on Alec Pierce
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Stampede Blue about Alec Pierce.
80
Insights
19
Positive
51
Negative
Insight ledger
All Stampede Blue insights about Alec Pierce
PositiveRoleOct 23, 2026
The source identifies Alec Pierce's return from injury as potentially transformational for the Colts offense in a re-tooling scenario; his availability combined with the young core already in place and key veteran additions could position Indianapolis back in playoff contention.PositiveProjectionOct 21, 2026
Alec Pierce has been one of Jones's most efficient downfield targets this season, generating well-above-average EPA per target alongside Josh Downs.NegativeUsageOct 19, 2026
Despite signing the largest free agent receiver contract in NFL history, Pierce has played just 41% of offensive snaps, indicating a significant disconnect between contract value and actual offensive role; this usage concern undermines his fantasy relevance despite the financial commitment.NegativeInjuryOct 18, 2026
Pierce's heel injury, already a known concern after offseason surgery, was aggravated during the season. The source criticizes the Colts' roster construction for lacking proven depth behind him; when Pierce went down, Indianapolis scrambled to sign Darius Slayton as emergency depth rather than having functional NFL players ready. This exemplifies poor preparation and reflects the broader problem of the Colts' inability to maintain offensive production when starters are unavailable.NegativeInjuryOct 18, 2026
Pierce re-injured his heel late in Week 2 against Kansas City and was placed on injured reserve; per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, he continues to progress but is likely still a few weeks away from game action and isn't expected to return to practice when first eligible next week. Initial expectation was 6-8 weeks out rather than the four-game IR minimum. Through 2 games in 2026, Pierce has 5 receptions for 72 receiving yards.NegativeInjuryOct 16, 2026
Pierce suffered a week two injury that sent him to injured reserve, prompting the Colts to sign Darius Slayton as a downfield receiving option to address the production gap created by his absence.NegativeInjuryOct 10, 2026
Lead wideout reinjured his heel in Week 2, prompting the Colts to sign Darius Slayton as a deep threat replacement.NegativeInjuryOct 10, 2026
Colts' lead wideout is out for the foreseeable future with a reinjured heel, creating receiver depth concerns for Indianapolis and providing context for why the team explored trade options for receiver reinforcements.NegativeRoleOct 9, 2026
The source identifies Alec Pierce's absence as a critical schematic problem for the Colts offense. Through 4 games, the Colts have generated only 43 plays of 10+ yards and 14 plays of 20+ yards—the 2nd lowest in the Ballard tenure through 4 games. Pierce's contract was justified by the Colts' need for explosive plays to flip the field and limit negative plays, but without him the offense is seeing significantly more Cover 3 (33% this year vs. 24% last year), forcing the Colts to rely on elite success rate rather than explosive production.NegativeInjuryOct 7, 2026
Heel injury has sidelined Pierce, the Colts' designated number one receiver, for significant time this season. Pierce was elevated to the WR1 role after Michael Pittman Jr.'s trade and expanded his route tree last year to become a well-rounded receiver beyond his deep-threat role. His absence is crippling the Colts offense; Jones averaged over 8 yards per attempt with Pierce in the fold last year, but without him the offense struggles. Pierce's importance lies not just in providing a deep option but in occupying corner and safety coverage deep, which opens the field for other receivers underneath. The source notes his importance to the Colts is real regardless of whether he is a true number one talent.NegativeInjuryOct 4, 2026
Alec Pierce is already on injured reserve with a heel injury, removing him from fantasy consideration for Week 4 and beyond pending recovery.NegativeInjuryOct 3, 2026
On injured reserve with a heel injury and will miss at least the next three games. Pierce's absence further depletes the Colts' receiver room alongside Keenan Allen's groin injury.NegativeRoleOct 2, 2026
Pierce's absence forces the Colts to adjust their offensive scheme; without him, the Colts lack speed on the field to chase explosive plays, which compresses coverage and allows defenses to play more aggressively. The source notes the Colts must find someone to catch the ball down the field to survive without Pierce.NegativeRoleSep 29, 2026
Pierce is the Colts' undisputed best deep threat; his elite deep threat skill-set cannot be fully replaced by any individual player on the current roster, making his absence particularly impactful to the team's explosive play-calling and downfield passing attack.NegativeUsageSep 29, 2026
Through first two starts working back into form, Pierce had just 5 receptions for 72 receiving yards; his absence has significantly impacted Colts' passing game efficiency—Daniel Jones averaging 6.2 yards per attempt (T-24th) and Colts receivers averaging 9.2 yards per reception (28th) in three-game sample without Pierce.NegativeInjurySep 29, 2026
Reinjured left heel in Week 2 against Kansas City Chiefs; placed on injured reserve with no surgery planned, instead pursuing rest and rehab; head coach Shane Steichen confirmed no change to recovery plan despite heavy cast and scooter use in press box; Colts realistically hoping for midseason return, meaning Pierce could miss approximately five games minimum.NegativeInjurySep 27, 2026
Out for Week 3 game against Houston. Pierce is described as 'the only explosive element the offense could rely on in the team's recent past,' and his absence creates serious concerns about the Colts' ability to stretch the field and create downfield plays against a Texans secondary that ranks last in explosive pass rate allowed (26.5%).NegativeInjurySep 27, 2026
Colts WR ruled out with heel injury for Week 3 matchup against Texans.NegativeInjurySep 26, 2026
Placed on injured reserve after re-injuring his ankle/heel in the late first quarter against Kansas City on Sunday night; will miss at minimum the team's next four games. Pierce was unable to place body weight on the injury, was carted off the field, and was seen post-game in a medical boot and on crutches. Initial reports suggest a realistic return closer to midseason (Week 8 or 9) rather than the theoretical Week 6 eligibility. Through two starts before the injury, Pierce had 5 receptions for 72 yards while working back from offseason ankle/heel surgery on a pitch count.NegativeInjurySep 25, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) has been ruled OUT for Week 3 against the Texans. Pierce aggravated his heel injury and landed in injured reserve earlier in the week, making him unavailable for Sunday's game.NegativeInjurySep 24, 2026
Wide receiver Alex Pierce re-injured his heel against the Chiefs and has been placed on injured reserve; he will be out for a minimum of four games.NegativeRoleSep 24, 2026
Alec Pierce's absence significantly impacts the Colts' offensive capability against elite defenses. The Chiefs specifically rolled coverage toward Pierce in their Ring coverage scheme (a 2-man variant with Cover 6 shell), using him as a focal point of their defensive game plan. Without Pierce, it's very difficult for the Colts to go blow-for-blow with Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense, especially when the Colts' defense is playing poorly.NegativeInjurySep 23, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce suffered a heel injury and was absent from practice; he was subsequently placed on injured reserve, removing him from fantasy consideration for the immediate future.NegativeInjurySep 23, 2026
Colts' lead wideout presumed out of action with a reoccurring heel/ankle injury; expected to miss around six weeks or more depending on recovery and whether planned surgery is needed; creates receiving depth need for Indianapolis through at least midseason.NegativeInjurySep 23, 2026
Placed on injured reserve due to heel injury; will miss minimum four games with realistic return closer to Week 8 or 9 (six weeks or so). Pierce suffered a non-contact reinjury to his left ankle/heel that cost him all of training camp and preseason; he was unable to put weight on the injury and had to be carted off the field. He elected not to undergo surgery. Pierce had only 5 receptions for 72 yards through two games before the injury. The source notes he was at greater risk of missing more games had he been placed on PUP to start the season instead of active.NegativeInjurySep 23, 2026
Pierce came off surgery and spent essentially the entire 2024 offseason rehabbing, making receiver a priority. However, the Colts waited until mid-August to address the position. Pierce then reinjured the same area two games into the season, forcing the Colts to sign Darius Slayton as an emergency replacement.PositiveProjectionSep 23, 2026
Pierce turned into a 1,000-yard player under Ballard and remains one of the significant draft successes.NegativeInjurySep 22, 2026
Pierce is dealing with a heel injury that requires several weeks of rehabilitation; midseason return is currently viewed as possible. Pierce has become one of the NFL's better vertical threats and is coming off a 1,000-yard season, making his absence a significant loss for the Colts' passing game.NegativeInjurySep 22, 2026
Pierce aggravated a heel injury that was surgically repaired and is expected to miss several weeks while attempting rehab before considering another surgery. He is slated to be placed on injured reserve and could return around midseason if rehab goes well, but surgery remains possible if conservative treatment does not produce results. Pierce is coming off a career-best 2025 season with 1,003 receiving yards on 47 catches while leading the NFL in yards per reception for the second consecutive year; his absence removes a significant deep-threat weapon from the Colts offense.PositiveRoleSep 21, 2026
One of the Colts' most explosive playmakers and their best downfield threat; his absence significantly impacts offensive scheme, as none of Keenan Allen, Josh Downs, or Tyler Warren are burners, making the Colts easier to cover without Pierce's deep speed and vertical separation.NegativeInjurySep 21, 2026
Reinjured ankle/heel with negative x-rays but further evaluation Monday; left Arrowhead Stadium in boot and crutches, suggesting realistic possibility of missing time; same ankle/heel that kept him out of all training camp and preseason; suffered non-contact injury in first quarter and was unable to put weight on aggravated left ankle/heel before exiting on medical cart.NegativeInjurySep 21, 2026
Pierce was lost early in the second quarter, adding to the Colts' receiving depth issues after already entering the game without Ashton Dulin. Despite losing both receivers, Steichen continued to find ways to move the offense effectively.NegativeInjurySep 21, 2026
Lead wideout reinjured his surgically repaired left ankle/heel late in the first quarter on a non-contact play; couldn't put any body weight on it; carted off the field and downgraded from questionable to out; did not return to the game. This is a critical concern for the Colts' receiving corps going forward.PositiveInjurySep 21, 2026
Colts WR Alec Pierce reinjured his surgically repaired left ankle on a non-contact play during SNF vs Kansas City Chiefs and was ruled out for return; he limped to sideline unable to bear weight and was carted off. This is the same ankle that caused him to miss all offseason training activities, veteran minicamp, training camp, and preseason. Pierce signed a 4-year, $114 million contract with $84 million guaranteed before the 2025 season following a breakout 2024 campaign, but the Colts could be without one of their most explosive big play threats offensively for quite a while again.PositiveInjurySep 18, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce bounced back from a missed practice on Thursday, which was later revealed to be a planned rest day to help manage a heel injury. Pierce is available for Sunday's prime-time game against the Chiefs.NegativeInjurySep 18, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) missed practice Thursday after being a full participant Wednesday, signaling either workload management or potential aggravation of his heel injury. The source notes "it's not looking great for the Colts WR1 moving forward," raising concerns about his availability and role as the team's primary receiver.NegativeInjurySep 17, 2026
WR Alec Pierce continues to nurse an ongoing heel injury that has resulted in depth chart movement, with Ashton Dulin moving up ahead of him; Pierce was a full participant at practice despite being listed on the injury report.NegativeInjurySep 13, 2026
Pierce led the Colts with 4 catches for 61 yards on the opening drive, including a 13-yard reception to set up first-and-goal, but exited the game after the opening quarter with a wrist injury.PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
Despite the limited snap count in Week 1, Pierce's vertical speed still provides value; his presence forces Baltimore to respect the deep ball and gives Daniel Jones another outside option in the passing game, even on restricted workload.NegativeUsageSep 13, 2026
Pierce will play Week 1 against Baltimore but on a snap count; NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Pierce is not expected to handle a full workload, with one source estimating roughly 20 to 30 snaps. This is below his normal usage despite being expected to have a major role in the Colts' passing game this season. Pierce missed most of training camp recovering from ankle surgery and was activated off the physically unable to perform list late in camp, indicating the Colts are managing him carefully in his first game back.NegativeInjurySep 12, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) continued his week of limited practices but has not been given a game designation and is ready to go on Sunday against the Ravens; may be on a snap count to ease him back into game time speed.NegativeInjurySep 11, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) remained limited at practice as he works back from offseason surgery; continued limited participation leaves his Sunday status uncertain, though there remains a chance for availability.PositiveInjurySep 11, 2026
Alec Pierce is expected to be ready for the Colts' Week One matchup against the Ravens; the source notes he should be available as the team trends toward good health.PositiveInjurySep 10, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) was a limited participant at practice after missing nearly the entire pre-season due to a lingering heel injury that required surgery prior to training camp. Pierce has managed to participate in practices over the past week leading into Week 1. The source indicates Pierce is looking positive in terms of his availability for Sunday's game against Baltimore.NegativeInjurySep 10, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice; no players have been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against Baltimore, though some injured players could theoretically begin the regular season on PUP and miss at least the first 4 games.PositiveRoleSep 7, 2026
Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed Pierce is on track and will play in Week 1 opener against Baltimore Ravens; activated off PUP after ankle/heel surgery in March with recovery timeline always targeting Week 1 readiness; returns as lead wideout in Colts passing attack alongside Keenan Allen and Josh Downs for QB Daniel Jones, facing Ravens secondary ranked 30th in passing yards allowed (247.9 per game).PositiveRoleSep 7, 2026
Pierce is expected to be available for Week 1 after clearing injury protocols; the source reports that Alec Pierce should be a go for Week 1, supporting his Week 1 fantasy availability.NegativeDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Alec Pierce made the Colts' 53-man roster as part of the wide receiver group, which based on preseason playing time allocation appeared well set.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
Alec Pierce appears to be a lock in the Colts wide receiver room alongside Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Ashton Dulin, and possibly Laquon Treadwell, though the source does not provide specific preseason performance details for Pierce.NegativeProjectionAug 27, 2026
Week 1 outlook looks much more encouraging than it did earlier in camp following activation off PUP. However, caution remains: being activated does not automatically mean Pierce is ready for a full workload, and the Colts will likely be conservative with his ramp-up. His chemistry with Daniel Jones will be something to monitor, especially after the missed camp time during training camp. Getting him off PUP gives the Colts a chance to build that connection before the games count.PositiveRoleAug 27, 2026
With Michael Pittman Jr. traded to Pittsburgh Steelers, Pierce is expected to take on a larger role as one of the featured receivers in the Colts offense alongside Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, and tight end Tyler Warren. Pierce earned this opportunity after the best season of his career in 2025, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the first time with 1,003 yards on 47 catches. He led the NFL in yards per catch for the second straight season, averaging 21.3 yards per reception, establishing himself as one of the league's premier vertical threats. His explosiveness and ability to stretch the field and punish single coverage is exactly what the Colts need back in the lineup.PositiveInjuryAug 27, 2026
Activated off PUP list after ankle surgery in March; had been sidelined throughout training camp. Expected to ramp up gradually with goal of being ready for Week 1 against Baltimore Ravens. Colts re-signed Pierce to four-year, $114 million extension in March, signaling he is a key piece of their passing game. With Michael Pittman Jr. traded to Pittsburgh, Pierce is expected to take on a larger role as one of the featured receivers alongside Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, and Tyler Warren. His return is described as a major boost for an offense that needs him.PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Pierce provides an elite deep threat with the ability to separate vertically, high-point the football, and make acrobatic, contested catches—routinely winning '50-50' balls. The Colts lack a bona fide WR1 otherwise, even with the late training camp addition of Keenan Allen. Pierce is expected to be featured much more collectively within the Colts passing offense this season, having continued to improve his route tree since entering the league in 2022. He is the only wide receiver on the Colts roster with his skill set, and few NFL teams have another like him.PositiveInjuryAug 25, 2026
Colts WR Alec Pierce (ankle) is expected to return to practice this week if all goes to plan, per head coach Shane Steichen. Pierce underwent minor ankle/heel clean-up surgery in late March with an initial four-to-six month recovery timetable; he has remained on PUP throughout training camp and preseason. His return to practice makes the Colts regular season home opener against Baltimore on September 13th a realistic target date for availability, which was the team's expectation all along. Pierce will still need to ramp up conditioning and test his ankle/heel response before full participation.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Alec Pierce is projected to have a significant offensive role in the Colts' six-man receiver group alongside Josh Downs and Keenan Allen.NegativeInjuryAug 21, 2026
Alec Pierce's injury status remained unresolved heading into the final training camp practices, leaving uncertainty about his availability for the preseason and regular season.NegativeInjuryAug 20, 2026
Still recovering from ankle/heel injury and has yet to practice as regular season approaches; potential absence would decimate Colts wide receiver corps and elevate remaining receivers; Pierce's pending absence played a part in Keenan Allen signing finally getting done, as source notes 'Deadlines spur action' with regular season just weeks away.NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026
Pierce underwent ankle surgery immediately after signing a huge contract and has remained sidelined since; recovery status remains unclear with non-committal statements from head coach Shane Steichen and limited on-field activity (stationary passing drills only at practice), raising questions about his Week 1 availability and the true reason behind the Colts' Keenan Allen signing.NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026
Still recovering from off-season ankle surgery heading into training camp; injury created depth concerns in Colts WR room and was a primary driver for the team's pursuit of Keenan Allen; however, source indicates the Allen deal was negotiated over weeks and not a panic move, suggesting Pierce's injury timeline may not be immediately catastrophic.NegativeInjuryAug 17, 2026
Wide receiver Alec Pierce is not returning to training camp, indicating continued absence from team activities during the preseason preparation period.NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026
Colts' lucratively re-signed leading wideout from last season remains on ankle/PUP list; doing light work along sidelines with wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne but still not jogging or cutting on the ankle; stationary catching passes and making acrobatic, athletic catches.NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026
Receiver Alec Pierce, who signed a four-year $114 million deal in March, has missed all 10 training camp practices while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, which leaves the Colts with limited depth outside the numbers heading into the season opener four weeks away.NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
Out of practice, which significantly impacts the Colts' WR depth evaluation; the source notes that with Pierce unavailable, the Colts have one of the worst WR rooms in football.PositiveInjuryAug 12, 2026
Starting WR rehabbing ankle and heel injury since March surgery; did not receive a second PRP injection as earlier reported. Colts GM Chris Ballard clarified the confusion, stating 'Been rehabbing since March surgery. Feel good where he's at.' Plan remains for Pierce to be ready for the Colts' regular season opener against Baltimore on September 13th. Injury involved both ankle and heel, but no additional pain-management intervention was needed.NegativeInjuryAug 11, 2026
Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce received a second PRP injection in his rehabbing left ankle this offseason following minor cleanup surgery in March. While the team source indicated the second injection was not considered a setback, there remains no clear timetable for his return to the field. Pierce initially indicated a four-to-six month recovery timeline from late March surgery, with hope for late training camp return. However, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported on The Pat McAfee Show that the Colts maintain Pierce will be ready for the regular season opener. The injury status is particularly significant given Pierce's recent 4-year, $114 million contract ($84 million guaranteed) and the Colts' weakened WR corps following Michael Pittman Jr.'s trade to Pittsburgh.NegativeInjuryAug 10, 2026
Listed as a starting receiver on the Colts' depth chart despite an ongoing ankle situation (listed as PUP); his status remains uncertain heading into the preseason.NegativeInjuryAug 10, 2026
Pierce underwent ankle surgery in March after playing through the injury last season. Chris Ballard initially indicated a three-month recovery timeline pointing to a training camp return, and Shane Steichen said the team expected him back "at some point in training camp." However, the timeline has become unclear: Pierce opened camp on the active/PUP list, Ballard later said he was "a week or two away" from returning near the start of camp, yet Steichen this week stated "No, not right now" when asked about a timetable. The Colts organization has a history of vague injury communication (Andrew Luck, Shaq Leonard's back issue leading to a lost season), which compounds fan concern. The sequence of conflicting messaging—surgery in March, optimistic initial timeline, PUP list, recent "close" report, now no timetable—is not reassuring. With Michael Pittman Jr. gone, Pierce is a key piece in the passing game whose vertical ability impacts defensive schemes; losing practice reps during his rehab with no clear return date hampers the Colts' passing game development with Daniel Jones rebuilding timing.NegativeRoleAug 6, 2026
Alec Pierce has a distinct role as the vertical outside receiver in the Colts offense, separate from Josh Downs' slot-focused usage. This role differentiation creates opportunity for Downs' target-share expansion, as Pierce is not competing for the underneath and intermediate targets that form Downs' foundation.NegativeInjuryAug 4, 2026
WR remained sidelined on physically unable to perform (PUP) list with calf injury; unavailable during Day 6 of camp when Colts' passing attack was most explosive.NegativeInjuryAug 4, 2026
Currently hobbled with ankle injury one week into training camp; absence creates major question mark at outside WR position and forces depth chart reshuffling; status directly impacts Colts' WR depth and fantasy relevance.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Receiver's absence from field removed vertical element of Colts offense, allowing defense to tighten coverage underneath during first padded practice; impacts passing game scheme and QB opportunity.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Pierce remains the Colts' vertical outside threat in their receiver room; in a potential Harrison Jr. acquisition scenario, Pierce would continue stretching the field while Harrison steps into the Z receiver role.NegativeDepth ChartJul 30, 2026
Alec Pierce is currently out of training camp commission for the next week or so, creating a depth chart opening at the Colts' outside receiver position. The projected starters on the outside opposite of Pierce, when he's fully healthy, are currently Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. The Colts' potential interest in Chase Claypool is partly motivated by the need for a wide receiver upgrade along the outside given Pierce's temporary absence.NegativeInjuryJul 30, 2026
Alec Pierce is performing light work on the side during Colts training camp day 1, indicating he is being eased back or managing an injury during the early stages of camp.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Unavailable during the opening practice, creating opportunities for Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell to occupy the outside receiver spots and expand their roles.PositiveProjectionJul 29, 2026
Pierce is coming off a breakout career year with 47 receptions for 1,003 receiving yards and 6 touchdown receptions over 15 games (14 starts). His 21.3 yards per reception average led the league for a consecutive year among qualifying wideouts. The Colts recently re-signed him to a historic 4-year, $116 million contract extension in early March, signaling their commitment to him as their lead wideout and a centerpiece of the offense.PositiveInjuryJul 29, 2026
Colts GM Chris Ballard confirmed Pierce is 'a week or so away' from returning after being placed on PUP following minor cleanup ankle surgery in the offseason. Pierce underwent the procedure earlier in the offseason with the expectation of returning during the back half of training camp, which aligns with the official camp timeline (kicks off immediately, concludes August 20th). The Colts may initially take it easy on Pierce during his return, gradually ramping him up to see how his surgically cleaned ankle responds. Pierce is the Colts' lead wideout and one of the offense's best playmakers.NegativeInjuryJul 28, 2026
Alec Pierce is starting camp on the PUP list, a development that warrants concern despite not being surprising. The source notes that even if Pierce were fully healthy from the start, the Colts' receiving corps would still rank below elite units; stacked against Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase, Pierce falls short. The source expresses willingness to roster him but acknowledges the significant drop-off in talent behind him.NegativeInjuryJul 28, 2026
Starting wide receiver placed on PUP list with ankle injury; expected to return later in training camp following minor cleanup surgery performed earlier in offseason.NegativeInjuryJul 27, 2026
Wide receiver placed on PUP list at start of training camp due to ankle cleanup procedure performed in offseason after ankle issue worsened late in 2025 season; PRP injection did not resolve problem, requiring surgery. GM Chris Ballard indicated three-month recovery timeline in April with no expected long-term implications. Pierce is expected to play major role in offense coming off 1,000-yard season, but missing early camp reps is not ideal, especially with QB Daniel Jones returning from Achilles injury and needing timing with receivers. Pierce does not need every summer rep to know his role, but offense needs top weapons available soon to minimize gelling time later in summer.