Colts QB Daniel Jones Suffers Apparent Achilles Injury, Exits Game
The Colts may be facing a brutal blow to their quarterback room after Daniel Jones exited Sunday’s game with a non-contact injury to his right leg - and the early signs aren’t encouraging.
Jones went down untouched, immediately grabbing at the back of his lower leg - the classic tell for an Achilles injury. He slammed his helmet in frustration as medical staff rushed to his side, and the Colts wasted no time ruling him out for the remainder of the game. That kind of swift decision typically signals a serious injury, and unfortunately, this one looks like it could be just that.
Adding to the concern: Jones was already playing through a fractured fibula in his left leg. Now, with a potentially torn Achilles in his right, the 28-year-old quarterback may be staring down a long and grueling recovery.
It’s another tough turn in what’s been a winding NFL journey for Jones. Drafted sixth overall by the Giants in 2019 out of Duke, he showed flashes of promise early in his career but struggled to find consistent footing in New York. After the team declined his fifth-year option heading into the 2022 season, Jones responded with a solid campaign that earned him a four-year, $160 million extension in 2023.
But things unraveled quickly. A benching in 2024 led to his release, and he landed briefly on the Vikings’ practice squad before signing a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts for the 2025 season - a fresh start and a chance to re-establish himself as a starting-caliber quarterback.
And to his credit, Jones had been making the most of that opportunity. Through 13 games this season, he completed nearly 68 percent of his passes for over 3,000 yards, tossing 19 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. He was playing efficient, smart football - the kind of play that had Colts fans hopeful he could be a long-term answer under center.
Now, those hopes are on hold.
An Achilles injury, if confirmed, is one of the toughest setbacks in football, especially for a quarterback who relies on mobility like Jones. It’s not just the physical rehab - it’s the mental challenge of coming back from yet another major injury, and doing so at a point in his career where every snap matters.
The Colts will have to pivot quickly, whether that means turning to a backup or exploring options outside the building. But the bigger story here is Jones. A player who’s battled through ups and downs, injuries and roster moves, and was finally putting together a solid season - only to have it potentially cut short in the cruelest way.
We’ll continue to monitor updates as they come in, but for now, it’s a tough day in Indianapolis - and an even tougher one for Daniel Jones.