Pro Football Rumors
Daniel Jones has managed to avoid any setbacks while rehabbing his Achilles tear. The Colts’ QB1 was able to move from individual drills to seven-on-seven work during this month’s minicamp.
Jones was held back from participating in 11-on-11 drills this spring, with training camp being targeted as his return to full action. Indeed, Mike Chappell of Fox59 writes Jones is expected to take part in the beginning of camp practices in July. A full workload may not be in store right away, but avoiding the active/PUP list would be another encouraging development in this case.
“I think I’m closer,” the 29-year-old said when speaking about his recovery progress to date. “I think there’s still work to be done. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”
Jones surpassed expectations during his debut Colts season, helping lead the team to an 8-2 start heading into the bye. The former Giants first-rounder dealt with a leg fracture prior to his Achilles tear, an injury which ultimately resulted in Philip Rivers‘ unretirement and brief starting stint to close out the year. Jones did enough when on the field to convince Indianapolis’ front office to keep him in place and end the carousel of new starting QBs which has defined the post-Andrew Luck era.
Not long after the Colts placed the transition tag on Jones, team and player worked out a two-year, $88MM deal. All parties are heavily invested in a return to full health well in advance of Week 1, not to mention a repeat of Jones’ level of play prior to his injury. Indianapolis is seeking a first trip to the playoffs since 2020, and strong showings under center will of course be critical in avoiding a repeat of how last season ended.
Former No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson remains in place with the Colts despite efforts being made to trade him. Richardson would likely be in line to handle QB1 duties early in 2026 if Jones were to be sidelined in September, but that should not be expected given where things currently stand.
