​When the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones in free agency last offseason, expectations were uncertain. It didn’t take long for the league to realize Jones posed a real threat to challenge Anthony Richardson for the starting job, and he seized the opportunity, earning the Week 1 starter role. Through the first half of the 2025 season, the Colts emerged as one of the league’s elite teams, with Jones playing a central role in their success. Tragically, his promising rookie year with Indianapolis was cut short by a torn Achilles suffered in the matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In total, Jones appeared in 13 games for the Colts last season, completing 68 percent of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also showcased his dual-threat capability, rushing for 164 yards and scoring five rushing touchdowns. With that body of work in mind, Jones offered a notably positive update on his Achilles recovery as training camp loomed.
According to Colts reporter James Boyd of The Athletic, Jones provided an encouraging health update, stating, “I’m doing everything. Cleared to do everything. I think it’s just about, at this point, sharpening that.” He was also asked about the mental aspect of returning from such a severe injury. Jones acknowledged that the memory of the injury lingers, though getting back on the field should aid his mental recovery. “You’re still thinking about it. I think you probably will until you get playing,” he admitted.
This update is undoubtedly positive for Indianapolis, as it suggests Jones could be at or near full strength heading into the 2026 season. Despite the Achilles injury, the Colts did not hesitate to invest in him as their franchise quarterback. General Manager Chris Ballard and the front office wasted little time locking Jones into a new contract—a two-year deal worth $88 million, with the potential to rise to $100 million with incentives.
Now Jones faces the task of proving he earned that substantial commitment. He previously secured a lucrative contract extension with the New York Giants that, in hindsight, did not pan out as hoped for his former team. Jones will aim to alter that narrative this time around.
Over the course of seven NFL seasons, the 29-year-old quarterback has appeared in 83 games, throwing for 17,683 yards and 89 touchdowns against 55 interceptions while completing 64.7 percent of his passes. He has also contributed 2,343 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. The health question remains, but the early optimism surrounding Jones’s return suggests a bright outlook for his second season with the Colts.
As things stand, there are plenty of reasons for Colts fans to be hopeful about Jones’s trajectory in Indianapolis. For more updates and insights, follow HEAVY’s coverage and stay tuned for how Jones and the Colts execute in 2026. This article, which originally appeared on HEAVY, continues to be a source for the latest developments surrounding Indiana’s franchise quarterback.