Despite impressive numbers when playing last season, Daniel Jones was hindered by several injuries, including a hairline fracture in his left fibula that he played through for several games and then a brutal season-ending torn right Achilles tendon.
However, he’s rehabbed throughout the Indianapolis Colts‘ offseason and appears back on track to be the team’s starting quarterback for the upcoming campaign. While dropping by as a guest during ESPN’s flag football coverage, he was asked how he’s feeling after that rough injury and ensuing rehab.
“I feel good. Really good. Excited to get going. We report tomorrow, first practice Wednesday, so good to go. I’m excited to get rolling,” Jones told the commentators.
After guiding the Colts to a hot start last season, Jones suffered the injury in December during his team’s 32-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had surgery within the week after the injury and then began the long path to rehabilitation and recovery so he can return to play in the coming season.
Jones’s 2025 NFL season included him throwing for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns with eight interceptions. With those numbers, which also included his average yards per throw increasing by two yards over any other season, he was on pace for a career-best year.
The team was 8-2 through Jones’s first 10 games, and there were early talks at one point of him being among the NFL MVP candidates. Then the unfortunate injuries hit, ultimately ending Jones’s season and causing a difficult situation in Indianapolis.
Once the team lost its starter, Philip Rivers came out of retirement in an attempt to rescue the season. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Colts suffered an unfortunate downward spiral, missing the postseason after losing eight of their last nine games.
Now Jones is back after signing a two-year $88 million contract to remain with the team. They also ensured they kept wide receiver Alec Pierce, signing him to a four-year $116 million contract. Tight end Tyler Warren returns after his rookie season. They’ll also have free-agent tight end Mo Allie Cox back and offseason project Carson Towt as a potential target for Jones to throw to.
They’re projected to win over 7.5 games according to oddsmakers, which is right in line with where they were last season. However, with Jones back, they have a shot at recapturing some of last season’s early glory if he remains healthy.
The belief is that Jones will be back on the field for opening day, as he’s returning to practice this week. That remains to be seen, but there is optimism that he’ll be able to perform at his previous level and help the Colts remain contenders throughout 2026-27.
Jones and the Colts begin their season by hosting the Baltimore Ravens under new head coach Jesse Minter on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. ET.
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