Colts QB Daniel Jones Making Significant Progress in Achilles Recovery
Quarterback Daniel Jones arrived in Indianapolis with something to prove.
In November 2024, Jones requested that the New York Giants release him, which they did. He finished the season with the Minnesota Vikings but never took a snap. The Indianapolis Colts signed Jones to a one-year, prove-it deal last offseason, and the 2019 sixth overall pick proved his doubters wrong through the first two months of last season.
Jones had the Colts’ offense humming, and Indianapolis was 8-2 entering their bye week in early November.
After the bye, Jones played through a fractured fibula before tearing his Achilles on Dec. 7 against Jacksonville. The Colts didn’t win another game, finishing 8-9, and Jones is back where he started entering the 2026 NFL season: With something to prove.
According to Colts head coach Shane Steichen, Jones has begun dropping back and throwing, just over four months removed from Achilles surgery.
“He’s done a hell of a job with his rehab,” Steichen said during offseason workouts on Monday, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “He’s been tirelessly working at it. He’s been in here every day, 8 to 3 o’clock. I know he’s trying to hit certain landmarks, and he’s on a good path with that.”
The Colts signaled just how much they believe in Jones’ ability to return to full strength by signing him to a two-year, $88 million contract last month. Holder relayed that Jones’ deal is worth up to $100 million.
While Jones won’t be throwing to Michael Pittman Jr., who the Colts traded to Pittsburgh, he will have his favorite target. Indianapolis signed wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million extension. Pierce led the Colts with 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on just 47 receptions last season, as he led the NFL with 21.3 yards per reception.
Pierce recently underwent ankle surgery that will sideline him for offseason workouts, but he’s expected to recover before next season (via ESPN). The Colts hope the same will be true of Jones.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 6:28 PM.