The Colts’ early-season magic is starting to wear off, and a big reason why is the uncertain health of quarterback Daniel Jones. After Sunday’s 20-16 loss to the Texans - their third defeat in four games - questions about Jones’ mobility and effectiveness are only growing louder.
Jones, who’s reportedly dealing with a fibula injury, didn’t confirm whether he’s playing through a fracture. But the eye test told a pretty convincing story.
He didn’t look like the same player who helped lead Indy to a 7-1 start. His movement in the pocket was limited, and the numbers back that up: he completed just 2 of 11 passes under pressure, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder.
That’s a steep drop-off for a quarterback who’s typically been able to extend plays with his legs and make throws on the move.
Overall, Jones went 14-of-27 for 201 yards and two touchdowns. Statistically, it wasn’t a disaster.
But the lack of rhythm, especially when the Texans brought heat, was hard to ignore. And when asked about his health postgame, Jones didn’t shy away from the situation.
“I feel good enough to play,” he said. “Doctors cleared me to play, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
That’s the kind of answer you’d expect from a competitor, but it also raises the question: is Jones at 70 or 80 percent helping this team more than a fully healthy backup might? It’s not an easy call, especially with the Colts clinging to playoff hopes and the AFC South tightening up.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With a pivotal matchup against the Jaguars looming, the Colts are at risk of losing their grip on the division lead. A loss next week would knock them out of first place heading into the final four games of the season - a stretch that suddenly feels a lot more daunting than it did a month ago.
Jones’ injury isn’t the only issue, but it’s certainly a big one. When he’s at full strength, his dual-threat ability opens up the playbook and keeps defenses honest.
Right now, though, that threat is diminished, and defenses are adjusting accordingly. The Texans pressured him early and often, and without his usual mobility, Jones struggled to make them pay.
The Colts have been one of the season’s surprise stories, but the margin for error in the AFC is razor-thin. If Jones can’t regain some of his mobility - or if the team can’t find a way to protect him better - this promising campaign could unravel quickly.
The next few weeks will tell us a lot about the Colts’ resilience. But one thing is clear: if they’re going to right the ship, they’ll need Jones to either get healthier - or find a way to adapt his game while playing through pain.