Overview
- Pierce was disqualified late in the third quarter at NRG Stadium after he approached officials about a non-call and made contact with field judge Jabir Walker.
- The action drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for contacting an official, which carries an automatic ejection under league rules.
- Broadcast replays showed only slight contact, and fans and some media criticized the severity of the decision on social platforms.
- CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said he agreed with the enforcement despite the minimal contact seen on video.
- Before the ejection, Pierce had 4 catches for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, finishing the season at 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and 6 TDs as the Colts lost 38-30 to the Texans and he enters free agency.