By the end of last night, it was widely expected testing on Daniel Jones would confirm he suffered an Achilles tear. To no surprise, that has proven to be the case. 
An MRI has now been completed, and veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports Jones has indeed torn his Achilles. Today’s confirmation means surgery will be required as Jones turn his attention to 2026. As a pending free agent, his situation could now become complicated compared to where things previously stood. Surgery will take place within the next week, per head coach Shane Steichen (via ESPN’s Stephen Holder).
Jones enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, helping lead the Colts to a 7-1 record. The free agent signing played a key role in that success, and it appeared as though he was setting himself up for a notable payday from the Colts. Things have taken a major turn since then, however, with Indianapolis’ playoff chances taking several hits in recent weeks. Jones will need to focus on recovering as the Colts contemplate how to proceed under center.
Team and player have not yet conducted serious contract negotiations. Jones signed for a base value of $14MM (with nearly all of that figure guaranteed) to join the Colts in March, but he was in store for a substantial raise provided he managed to continue his level of play through December. Already dealing with a fractured fibula, the former No. 6 pick was unable to do so, suffering his Achilles tear in the form of a non-contact injury. Even if Jones can suit up for the start of next season, this will no doubt alter his financial situation.
The Colts are also without backup quarterback Anthony Richardson as he continues to reside on IR. The team is unsure whether or not a return will be possible this season. As such, it will be sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard leading the way for the final four games of the campaign. Indianapolis’ loss yesterday dropped the team to 8-5 on the year.
After holding a comfortable lead in the AFC South, therefore, the Colts now occupy the No. 7 seed in the conference. A fall out of the playoffs altogether would not surprise many given the team’s injury situation. Regardless of what happens on that front, Jones’ surgery and his subsequent rehab process will be a major storyline through the offseason.
Damn that sucks. Who else they got now? Rypien? Leonard?
Maybe Tannehill if he’s been pulling a Flacco by staying ready for an opportunity?
Crazier things have happened
that’s why the giants gave up on him, always hurt
Yes an Achilles injury is a sign of weakness. How dare he.
It turns out that in eight years in the NFL Danel Jones has never played a full season. In 2022 he came close with 16 games, but that was out of 17 already.
Injury prone and partially unavailable ring true.
Weakness, that’s you words. Mine were about. Him not being worth it because of his history. 40M per for what?
Get on the phone with Derek Carr
That would be wild to see haha
Brutal. Gotta feel for him and the Colts. I would be suprised if they win another game this season (good for us Jet fans in terms of the draft pick) but hate to see it
If not for that pesky trade deadline that passed, this has Joe Flacco written all over it. Mike Pagel is probably available…….
Jack Trudeau is still kicking around.
Curtis Painter
Tannehill
I think when Ballard signed Jones the expectation was that he would serve as a veteran stopgap…he was never viewed as the long term solution in Indy. Jones was certainly playing better than your average bridge QB before the injury but I don’t think the Colts overall plan will change much. Ballard will want Jones around as an insurance option but I think he still wants to draft a guy that will be everything Richardson was suppose to be but wasn’t.
They could double up on Jones’s in the offseason by grabbing Mac to hold down the fort until Daniel is back from this awful injury, assuming he takes another 1yr deal with them.
They was supposed to tank this year. Draft Manning, win 4 Super Bowls in only 3 years, with Manning being inducted into the HOF before the completion of his 5th year in the NFL.
Someone get me Peyton Manning on the phone to lead us to the Promise Land again is the best hope now.
Sad to see. I worry about his long term health. He’s now had 3 major injuries ( neck, knee, achilles). For his long term health I hope he puts down the helmet.
It was an interesting story while it lasted, though Jones flew high against a pretty soft opening 8 games (certainly Denver wants that one back). He was coming back to earth with yardage down and 6 turnovers in his final 3+ games.
Even if Jones was healthy and playing well, that’s a rough last 4 games to close the season and the Colts could have still finished 8-9.
Should still win CPOY. Hands down.
Any chance Bengals let Flacco go to pursue another starting gig…maybe with Indy?