Pro Football Rumors
The offseason Daniel Jones prognosis has generally pointed towards a Week 1 return, and there’s more good news to pass along regarding his comeback from a torn Achilles. SI.com’s Albert Breer notes that the Colts quarterback “met all his marks” this past spring and is trending towards participating in team drills at the start of training camp.
While the organization held Jones back from participating in 11-on-11 drills during spring practices, we heard that the QB was expected to be ready for the start of training camp. However, it was uncertain if he’d be able to do any more than individual, non-contact drills. Instead, it sounds like Jones could effectively be a full participant when training camp practices open in late July.
The injury presented some challenges for the front office this past offseason. The former Giants castoff surprisingly guided Indy to an 8-5 record while tossing 19 touchdowns vs. eight interceptions. Following a hot start to the campaign, the impending free agent’s outlook changed dramatically. The Colts lost each of Jones’ final three starts of the season, with that final appearance culminating in the QB’s season-ending Achilles injury.
After initially securing Jones’ services via the application of the transition tag, the two sides agreed to a two-year, $88MM extension. Indy’s multiyear commitment to the QB was enough evidence that Jones was progressing well, and we later learned that the organization counted on him to hit key rehabilitation milestones before inking the deal. With free agency behind them, the two sides could solely focus on getting the 29-year-old under center for the start of the 2026 campaign.
Besides handing the injured QB a lucrative new contract, the front office’s moves at the position (or lack thereof) pointed towards Jones’ Week 1 return. Despite rumors of a divorce, former first-round pick Anthony Richardson is still kicking around, as is 2025 draft pick Riley Leonard. The team did add former Chargers backup Easton Stick to compete for a roster spot, but there’s little chance the acquisition (nor any of the incumbents) see the field barring a Jones setback.
