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Daniel Jones
QB · IND

Daniel Jones

Position QB
Team IND
Bye Week 13
PPR Rank #159

Daniel Jones

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: IND.

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: IND (Indianapolis Colts)
  • Bye week (2026): 13
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 159

2026 Outlook

Colts locked up Daniel Jones as their starter for 2026 after his injury recovery. Has cleared to throw and participates in OTAs. Faces Week 2 SNF matchup against Kansas City after recovering from ACL/fibula injuries. Behind him, Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson compete for the backup role, with neither currently holding an edge per HC Shane Steichen (per 2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Colts' Backup QB Battle Even Behind Daniel Jones).

Proven backup performance (2025): Jones went 5-3 in eight starts for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025 when he filled in for injured Brock Purdy, tossing 13 touchdowns to just six interceptions. That backup performance—which saved the 49ers' season down the stretch—demonstrates Jones can step in and execute at a high level under pressure, adding confidence to his role as the Colts' 2026 starter (per 2026 Backup Quarterback Power Rankings).

At the 2026 combine, Colts GM Chris Ballard confirmed negotiations with Jones were progressing positively on a new contract, stating: "Had great discussions about both of them. We'll continue to work this week and see if we can get something done... It's been very positive. Look, when both sides are driven to get it done, it usually works out the right way." (per 2026 NFL combine live: News, rumors from Feb. 24 coach, GM sessions).

The Colts project Jones returning for Week 1 of 2026 despite his Achilles tear. USA Today predicts a challenging season: 8-9 record with critical matchups including a Week 2 SNF "must-win" against Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs (both recovering from QB injuries) and a highly anticipated Week 12 "grudge match" against his former team, the Giants, with new HC John Harbaugh and successor Jaxson Dart at QB. USA Today's expert panel notes that Week 2 "must-win" framing is warranted given the importance of each game in a team with a razor-thin margin for error—both Mahomes and Jones are recovering from major injuries, making this an especially high-stakes matchup. (per Colts 2026 schedule: Way-too-early record prediction, picks)

By mid-July, Jones remains upbeat about his Achilles recovery, expressing confidence he'll be 100% ready for Week 1 despite the severity of the injury. FantasyPros cautions that mobility—a key part of both his real-world and fantasy game—could be impacted, and monitors his turnover-prone tendencies closely. His early-season performance will be critical given the Colts' thin margin for error and high-stakes Week 2 matchup against Mahomes' Chiefs. (per Daniel Jones Fantasy Football Outlook (2026) - FantasyPros)

Fantasy sleeper with climbing ADP but still discounted if you read the fine print on his 2025 tape. Before the torn Achilles ended his season in Week 14, Jones was having the best year of his career, ranking as QB9 overall while completing 68% of throws for 3,101 yards and 19 TDs across 10 games. He averaged 253.4 passing yards, 13.3 rushing yards, and 2.0 total TDs per game—a locked-in QB1 profile when healthy. His 2-year extension to stay in Indianapolis through 2027 gives him role stability. The catch is the injury timeline: Jones is working back and appears to track toward Week 1, though nothing is guaranteed. Anyone drafting him should pair with a reliable second QB in case early weeks slip, but the upside of a proven top-10 fantasy passer paired with a settled role and rushing production is worth the wait. (per Fantasy football sleepers: 4 undervalued quarterbacks flying under the radar in 2026)

Training camp participation cleared (July 23): Jones has made tremendous strides throughout the offseason and hit every necessary rehabilitation landmark. He's been ahead of schedule and consistently participated in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work during minicamp. Entering training camp (starting July 29), Jones has been cleared to "do everything," signaling full participation in all practice phases. Reclaiming mobility post-Achilles tear will be key to his 2026 success, especially as he looks to build chemistry with a supporting cast anchored by new OC Alex Tanney and QB coach Cam Turner—the same coaching staff that oversaw his 2025 MVP-candidate season before his Week 14 injury. Training camp will provide the first opportunity to see him face live pass rush for the first time since late 2025 (per Notable Colts Injuries to Monitor Throughout Training Camp).

Week 12 home game against the Giants will be an emotional rematch: Jones was drafted 6th overall by New York in 2019 but posted a 24-44-1 record over six seasons and parted ways with the team in late 2024. After signing a 1-year deal with Indianapolis for 2025 and recovering from injury, he signed a 2-year, $88M contract to be the Colts' franchise QB, setting up a classic revenge game scenario. (per 3 Most Intriguing Indianapolis Colts Matchups in 2026).

Benching risk from early-season performance: While Jones wasn't likely to lose his job in 2025, his benching risk has increased for 2026. Early-season turnover risk is real—in 2025, Jones played at an MVP candidate level early in the season but "the wheels started to come off in Week 9" when opposing teams slowed down his rushing attack. Once forced to lean on his arm, he turned the ball over more (3 INTs, 2 lost fumbles in Week 9 alone against Pittsburgh). Anthony Richardson waits in the wings as a capable backup. Steichen will be quick to make a change if Jones struggles early in 2026, especially with the Colts' thin margin for error and Anthony Richardson providing insurance (per Bench watch: Six NFL quarterbacks who could lose starting jobs in 2026]).

Recent News

Role / Depth Chart

Starter QB, recovered from Achilles injury. Returned to 7-on-7 team drills at OTAs (June 8), going 5-of-6 with 2 TDs in first team session since injury. HC Shane Steichen confirmed Jones will advance to 11-on-11 work during July training camp, with Week 1 start vs. Ravens considered very likely (per 3 Biggest Winners of Colts' OTAs).

Backup QB contingency (July 16): Trade speculation emerged suggesting the Colts could acquire J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for Anthony Richardson, pending Richardson's trade request. This would give the Colts a second-round prospect as insurance if Jones' Achilles injury recurs during 2026. The analysis frames McCarthy as a "serviceable backup quarterback" who could prevent another failed season. No confirmed talks, but the move reflects front-office contingency planning given Jones' durability concerns (per Colts Trade Pitch Lands Former 10th Overall Draft Selection - Yahoo Sports).

Injury Status

Achilles tear and fractured fibula from late 2025 season. Fractured fibula suffered during Week 2 matchup vs Chiefs, but continued playing. Achilles tear ended season in Week 15 matchup vs Jaguars. Cleared to throw as of late May 2026. Target for regular season readiness, though history of injuries raises durability concerns (per Every Colts Primetime Game in 2026: TV Schedule, Dates, & Matchups and Daniel Jones is throwing for the first time since injury. See more photos).

As of June 1, 2026, Jones is ahead of schedule in his recovery and has progressed to 7-on-7 work at OTAs. Coach Shane Steichen cleared him for this step, though instructing him not to scramble and to avoid unnecessary risk. Jones is making meaningful strides in agility and footwork, hitting all the marks the Colts set for his recovery. Expected to be ready for full team activities by training camp and is on track to start Week 1 against the Ravens (per Colts QB Daniel Jones Takes Big Step In Achilles Return By Playing 7-on-7).

By June 10, Jones was participating in 7-on-7 work at minicamp practices and requested to participate in full 11-on-11 portions, though Coach Steichen stated they're being "super smart" with his workload progression. Steichen confirmed Jones will advance to full-team portions when training camp begins, emphasizing Jones has been hitting "all his landmarks each and every week, every day" in his rehabilitation (per Daniel Jones' Achilles' recovery remains on track, which has major implications for Colts' 2026 season).

Training camp opening (July 23): Jones was fully cleared for training camp despite his late-2025 Achilles injury from December 7. While the clearance is a great sign, there's a legitimate question about whether Jones bounces right back to last season's level. He is a quarterback who relies on mobility, which is harder coming off an Achilles tear. The Colts need Jones to look healthy during camp to validate their offseason plans (per NFL training camp: Top 5 unresolved issues, including the Brandon Aiyuk drama - Yahoo Sports).

July 27-28 update: Jones fully cleared for Colts training camp and participated in full 11-on-11 drills as camp opened on July 29. He's less than 8 months from his Achilles tear and is sharing the same surgeon (Dr. Martin J. O'Malley) who also performed Jayson Tatum's successful Achilles repair, suggesting a minimally invasive technique with lower complication risk. Jones confirmed to Pat McAfee he's ready to participate fully in all drills with no pitch count. Re-signed to 2-year, $88M extension earlier in the offseason, locking him as the Colts' franchise QB. The Week 2 matchup against Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs is framed as a critical early test with both QBs returning from major injuries suffered in late 2025. (per Daniel Jones says he's fully cleared for Colts training camp, less than 8 months since... and Top questions, transactions for all 32 NFL teams as training camps open across league).

Colts QB reclamation context — Jones vs. Richardson (CBS Sports, August 11): CBS Sports analysis of QB reclamations frames Daniel Jones' situation as distinct from Anthony Richardson's. While both are young QBs competing in Indianapolis, Jones already proved he can perform at a high level: his 2025 backup stint with San Francisco (5-3 record, 68.7% completion, 13 TDs/6 INTs in 8 starts) demonstrated elite efficiency and decision-making when elevated to starting reps. Richardson, by contrast, has never had an opportunity to execute at that level—his struggles have been consistent across all his limited attempts. Jones' challenge is different: recovering from a major injury (Achilles) while maintaining the elite accuracy, ball security, and decision-making from his 49ers run. If Jones returns to his 2025 form, he's the rare reclamation success story; if the Achilles significantly impacts his mobility, he'll face durability questions like many veteran QBs. Richardson's path requires solving an accuracy problem that hasn't been solved by any QB in the last 11 seasons short of Allen and Jackson. (per Can J.J. McCarthy and Anthony Richardson be saved? History offers a reason for hope --...)

July 29 camp opening: Jones opened camp sharply on day one, completing his first two passes in 11-on-11 to tight end Tyler Warren before Laquon Treadwell dropped his third attempt. Jones scrambled to his right with ease, showing no hesitation or hitch in his step from his surgically-repaired Achilles—the move looked identical to his late-2025 form before the injury. The early camp performance validates his readiness to process the offense at full speed. (per What is the Colts' training camp news, rumors today? Live NFL Colts camp updates - IndyStar)

August 17 preseason update — miraculous recovery: The Athletic reported Jones "looked like he never suffered an injury" in preseason practice sessions. At 29 years old and less than 8 months from his Achilles tear (suffered Dec 2025), Jones' recovery trajectory has exceeded expectations. He's participating fully in all preseason activities and is expected to start Week 1 against the Ravens without limitation. Multiple sources confirmed his mobility and form are indistinguishable from his pre-injury level, making him one of 2026's most important fantasy storylines given the magnitude of his Week 14 2025 injury and subsequent recovery (per The most important NFL QB this season, plus questions on the Lakers sale - The New York Times).

August 6 - Contract extension confirmed and recovery looking positive: Jones' 2-year, $88M extension with the Colts was confirmed by multiple reporters (Schefter, Rapoport). The deal locks him as the franchise QB and shows the Colts' confidence in his ability to lead alongside newly-extended RB Jonathan Taylor ($44M) and WR Alec Pierce ($114M) for the 2026 season. This represents the franchise's "all-in" approach to maximize their offensive talent, despite lingering concerns about Jones' Achilles recovery. Yahoo Sports' power rankings noted Jones "looks great coming back from a torn Achilles" during early training camp, though tempered expectations until live-game performance confirms the recovery trajectory (per Report: Colts sign Taylor to 2-year, $44M extension and NFL Power Rankings: Major injuries already affecting teams).

Post-minicamp positioning (June 16): Jones is listed as the starter coming out of spring minicamp, with Riley Leonard ranked as #2 and Anthony Richardson #3. The depth chart, written "in very light pencil," shows Jones remaining the projected starter despite spring competition. However, the QB battle between Leonard and Richardson for the backup role remains genuinely open with no clear winner after 50/50 reps split in spring (per Takeaways From Colts Depth Chart After Minicamp).

2026 Outlook (continued)

The Colts' 2-year, $88M extension drew scrutiny for its cost relative to comparable QB signings. While Jones wasn't going to clear a physical in early free agency due to his injuries, the deal effectively pays him at the franchise tag rate ($44M) with minimal upside if he plays well—team has no year-to-year flexibility. This is expensive compared to similar-tier QBs like Kyler Murray or Malik Willis. The durability profile remains a concern: soft tissue injuries (neck, shoulder, legs) plus the Achilles tear suggest a high reinjury risk in 2026 (per Grading The Biggest NFL Free Agency Moves).

Jones' 2025 season was historic but came with caveats. Through seven games, his offense scored more points per drive than any NFL team this century—including the 2007 Patriots. He posted a 109.5 passer rating in his first 8 games with 13 TDs and 3 INTs. However, he was playing through a fractured fibula early on and declined significantly in weeks 9-14 (84.2 rating, 6 TDs, 5 INTs) before his season-ending Achilles tear in Week 15. His performance drop coincided with the Colts' collapse from 8-2 to 8-9 after a seven-game losing streak. The question for 2026 is whether he can recapture that elite first-half production and whether the Achilles injury will impact his mobility (per NFL offseason power rankings: No. 21 Indianapolis Colts were the talk of the NFL before a hard fall).

Jones looks completely healed from his Achilles injury heading into Week 1 2026. Per The Athletic, two sources told Jonathan Jones that the quarterback "looked like he never suffered an injury" during preseason practice, though he sat out all preseason action as a precaution. His recovery timeline—less than 8 months from the December tear—is remarkably fast. The Colts project him as their Week 1 starter against Baltimore with legitimate Super Bowl hopes tied entirely to his durability and early-season performance. (per The most important NFL QB this season, plus questions on the Lakers sale - The New York Times)

PFF flags this as a boom-or-bust signing. Jones led the Colts to 8 wins in his first 10 games in 2025, but his production dropped sharply in weeks 9-14, posting a 53.2 passing grade (third-worst in the league for that stretch) before the Achilles injury. His season-long 68.7 grade was relatively average with 13 big-time throws and 18 turnover-worthy plays. The Colts locked him in at the franchise tag ($37M) while other options like Murray and Tua went for veteran minimum—a high-risk bet given the no-first-round-picks situation through 2027 (per 2026 NFL Free Agency: 8 boom-or-bust signings).

Transition tag designation (July 16): Jones was the lone transition-tag recipient in the 2026 cycle (alongside franchise tags on Breece Hall, George Pickens, and Kyle Pitts), retaining Colts rights with first-refusal leverage but no draft-pick compensation if he signs elsewhere — framing his $88M extension as the team's long-term answer after using the transition mechanism. (per Agent's Take: An early look at 2027 NFL franchise tag candidates, including Puka Nacua)

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Daniel's role

Shane SteichenHead CoachJim Bob CooterOffensive CoordinatorAlex TanneyPassing Game CoordinatorChris HewittPass Game Coordinator / Secondary CoachCam TurnerQuarterbacksChris WattAssistant Offensive LineTony Sparano Jr.Offensive Line

What the Experts Are Saying

FantasyProsFantasy Football RANKINGS: Top-36 WR Tiers, Draft Targets & Players to Avoid (2026)
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