​With training camp approaching, we’ll center our attention on the main question hanging over each Indianapolis Colts position group. Kicking things off are the quarterbacks, where several uncertainties linger, including whether the team will still explore a trade for Anthony Richardson. Yet our focus for this series will be on Daniel Jones.
By most accounts, Jones is progressing well through the rehab process. He participated in the 7-on-7 team periods during minicamp and stated that he would “absolutely” be ready for the season opener, though there remain hurdles to clear. What version of Jones we see in 2026 remains an open question.
During 10 games last season, Jones was among the league’s hottest quarterbacks. If you looked at any key metric, Jones was likely near the top of the list. Consequently, the Colts’ offense was thriving as one of the highest-scoring units in the league, and Indianapolis began the year 8-2. However, even before Jones’ season-ending injury, he was dealing with a separate fibula injury, and defenses began to pressure and slow down Jones and the Colts’ offense.
What we don’t know—and what cut short the glimpse into a potential postseason arc—is how Jones and head coach Shane Steichen would have responded to adjustments from opposing defenses. That scenario never fully played out, because Jones’ season ended prematurely. Did the duo have tactical countermeasures in place? Were defenses starting to read and dismantle what Jones and the offense were doing, or were there tweaks and counters still on the drawing board?
That’s the central question facing Jones and the Colts this season. After re-signing Jones this offseason, the organization clearly believes that the success he enjoyed in the first half of the year can be replicated and sustained in 2026. The flip side is whether defenses will catch up to a refined version of Jones and a more complete offense, especially as the league studies the tape from that stretch and prepares for a more durable challenge.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Big question facing Colts’ QB position ahead of training camp for better SEO.