Tag: Daniel Jones

Colts GM all in on bringing back QB Daniel Jones

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard believes the Colts have what they need at quarterback, beginning with Daniel Jones.

The quarterback room went through multiple transitions as former starter Anthony Richardson yielded the spot in preseason to free-agent signee Jones, who like Richardson later sustained a season-ending injury. Indianapolis resorted to bringing Philip Rivers, 44, out of retirement before the team played its way out of playoff contention and started rookie Riley Leonard in the season finale.

Jones, 28, is recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon in December, and he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.

“I’m looking at (Jones) both near and long (term),” Ballard said Thursday at his season-ending news conference.

“When you’re chasing the quarterback all the time, it makes it very hard,” Ballard said. “Your margin for error really shrinks down. And I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he’s at, where he’s going. Yes, he’s got the Achilles. But I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis.”

Ballard acknowledged the injury will impact contract negotiations but doesn’t see it as a deal breaker.

“I’m not a doctor, and I’m not God in terms of knowing what the future’s gonna hold in his healing,” Ballard said. “… The history of guys coming back has been pretty good and they’ve been older than Daniel.

“Daniel is 28 years old, and he’s a pretty freaky talent in terms of athletic ability. So no, I do feel confident that he’ll make it back. Will he be the version you saw right away? Maybe not, but he’s still going to be really good.”

Jones was really good in his first season with the Colts after inconsistent play and multiple injuries (neck, ACL) with the New York Giants (2019-24).

Jones passed for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions, leading Indianapolis to an 8-2 start. He played through a fractured left fibula and went 8-5 as the starter before his season ended with the Achilles injury on Dec. 7 in a loss in Jacksonville.

The Colts finished the season with a seven-game losing skid.

“It wasn’t all negative. The 8-2 (record) is real. That was not a mirage. It wasn’t,” Ballard said. “We were humming, and we were playing good football.”

The Giants selected Jones with the sixth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Duke.

For his career, Jones has completed 64.7% of his passes for 17,683 yards, 89 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 83 regular-season games (82 starts) for the Giants and Colts. He has a 32-49-1 record as a starter. Jones also has rushed 444 times for 2,343 yards and 20 TDs.

“I think (a return is) mutual on both sides,” Ballard said. “I think Daniel was a really good fit for this organization, and I think this organization and city were a really good fit for Daniel.”

Richardson had been labeled the franchise quarterback when Indianapolis drafted him fourth overall in 2023 out of Florida.

Richardson is 8-7 as a starter in parts of three seasons, completing 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 TDs and 13 picks in 17 games (15 starts). He also has rushed for 634 yards and 10 TDs on 115 carries.

After losing the starting job to Jones, Richardson went on injured reserve following an accident during pregame warmups in Week 6 that left him with an orbital bone injury.

“I was really happy with Anthony,” Ballard said. “I think you knew that even after we named Daniel Jones the starter. Unfortunately for Anthony, he’s had some really bad luck. … Anthony was making really good strides.”

The Colts picked Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 draft out of Notre Dame.

Leonard, 23, appeared in five games — starting the regular-season finale, a 38-30 loss at Houston — and completed 39 of 67 passes for 415 yards, two TDs and three picks.

–Field Level Media

All three Colts QBs hurt; Daniel Jones (Achilles) done for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Daniel Jones is out for the season and the Indianapolis Colts are in crisis mode.

Jones ruptured his right Achilles on Sunday in Jacksonville, leaving the 36-19 loss in the first quarter as the Jaguars took sole possession of first place in the AFC South and the free-falling Colts (8-5) clung to fading playoff aspirations.

Backup Riley Leonard played the final three quarters on Sunday and suffered a right knee injury, head coach Shane Steichen said Monday. The Colts said there is no plan to activate Anthony Richardson, who has been on injured reserve following an accident during pregame warmups in Week 6 that left him with an orbital bone injury.

That might require the Colts to make a roster move. Brett Rypien is on the practice squad. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren is the team’s emergency quarterback.

“(GM) Chris (Ballard) and his staff are working through that right now,” Steichen said.

Leonard completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards with an interception and a rushing touchdown.

Jones has played only 29 total games in the past three seasons and ended multiple years on injured reserve with the New York Giants due to injuries (neck, ACL).

On Sunday, he crumbled to the ground with a non-contact injury as he delivered a pass on a third-down dropback. He slammed his helmet to the ground while being evaluated on the field and limped to the locker room under his own power, and the combination of disappointment and uncertainty was felt in the postgame locker room.

“That was definitely a gut punch,” Colts running back Jonathan Taylor said. “We’ve got to catch ourselves. You’ve got to find some way, somehow, to catch yourself. You’re going into a free-fall, whatever it takes, individually and collectively, to put your foot down … to say we’re not going to continue to let this snowball.”

The Colts dropped four of their past five games since starting the season 7-1 and have four games left against the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars and Texans. Those teams own a combined record of 36-16.

Jones, 28, is in his first season with the Colts after playing 5 1/2 seasons with the Giants and part of last season with the Minnesota Vikings. He was the No. 6 overall pick by New York in the 2019 draft.

He joined the Colts in free agency on a one-year contract and is scheduled to be eligible for free agency again in March. But he will unlikely be ready to work out for teams until June or July.

Jones had passed for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions for Indianapolis. He was playing through a fractured left fibula.

–Field Level Media

Colts QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) ruled out vs. Jaguars

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones exited and was ruled out of the remainder of Sunday’s game at Jacksonville with a right Achilles injury.

Jones crumbled to the ground with a non-contact injury as he delivered a pass on a third-down dropback. He slammed his helmet to the ground while being evaluated on the field and limped to the locker room under his own power.

Jones, a first-year Colt who started his career with the Giants and briefly joined the Vikings last season, entered Sunday’s game with 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions for Indianapolis (8-4). He had reportedly been playing through a fractured fibula in his left leg.

Rookie Riley Leonard was on tap to replace Jones. In his lone previous appearance, Leonard threw two incomplete passes and rushed for one yard against Tennessee on Oct. 26.

–Field Level Media

Colts QB Daniel Jones full-go at practice despite reported broken fibula

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was a full practice participant on Thursday on the same day the NFL Network reported he has a fractured fibula.

Jones insists he will be on the field when the Colts (8-3) host the Houston Texans (6-5) in a AFC South showdown on Sunday.

The Colts did not confirm or deny the report of a broken fibula.

Colts coach Shane Steichen didn’t offer much when pressed on Jones earlier this week.

“All I’ve got for you is he’s got a fibula (injury) and that’s it,” Steichen said.

On Wednesday, Jones said he couldn’t say exactly when he was injured.

He reported it to the Colts last week and popped up on the team’s injury report on Thursday prior to Sunday’s 23-20 overtime loss to the host Kansas City Chiefs.

“It was just something that was kind of hanging over and realized it last week,” Jones said. “Just been trying to get treatment and make sure I’m in the best spot I can be.”

Jones repeated that the injury isn’t serious enough to cause him to sit out against Houston.

“I’m all good,” Jones said. “I’ll be ready to go on Sunday. Obviously, I was out there last week. I’m good to go.”

Steichen is just as comfortable that the injury won’t be a problem.

“There are no limitations with him right now,” Steichen said. “So, we go through our weekly game plan process, and we go from there.”

Houston leads the NFL in total defense (264.3 yards per game) and ranks second in scoring defense (16.5 points per game). Any issues with Jones’ mobility could become an issue because the Texans sacked reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen eight times for 70 yards in a 23-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 20.

Rookie Riley Leonard is Indianapolis’ backup quarterback. The sixth-round draft pick has seen action in one game and thrown two incomplete passes.

The Colts also list cornerback Sauce Gardner (back), linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle) and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (knee) as full practice participants on their Thursday injury report. Carlies, who started six games last year as a rookie, has yet to play this season.

–Field Level Media

Colts QB Daniel Jones limited with fibula injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Daniel Jones was limited in practice on Wednesday with a fibula injury, but Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen labeled his quarterback “good to go” for a Sunday game against the Houston Texans.

Jones was on the injury report last week but played start to finish at Kansas City in an overtime loss to the Chiefs that knocked the AFC South leaders back toward the pack at 8-3.

“All I’ve got for you is he’s got a fibula, and that’s it,” Steichen said Wednesday. “I’m not going to get into specifics but he’s out there. He’s playing. He’s practicing. He’s good to go.”

Houston (6-5) rolls into Indianapolis with a three-game winning streak, two edge rushers with double-digit sacks and reinforcements expected to get back on the field in quarterback CJ Stroud and nickel corner Jalen Pitre. Both players are on schedule to clear concussion protocol, head coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday.

Jones was sacked a total of 12 times in two games before the Colts’ offensive line pitched a shutout at Kansas City. Protection should receive a boost playing at home for the first time since Oct. 26.

“It’s a good defense. It’s aggressive. They do a good job rushing the passer, they’ve got good players in the secondary,” Jones said, while downplaying the injury. “I’ve just been trying to get treatment and make sure I’m in the best spot I can be. It’s just something I felt last week. Got looked at. … I’m good. I’m all good. I’ll be ready to go Sunday.”

The Texans lead the NFL in total defense (264.3 yards per game) and rank second in scoring defense (16.5 points per game). The Texans registered eight sacks of Josh Allen and beat the Buffalo Bills last week. Edge rushers Danielle Hunter (11 sacks) and Will Anderson (10.5 sacks) lead Houston’s pass rush, a top concern for Jones and the Colts leading up to Sunday’s game.

Steichen’s counter punch of NFL rushing leader Jonathan Taylor (1,197 yards) is part of the reason Jones isn’t fretting the leg issue or limited live reps to start the week.

“We obviously know what’s at stake. We’re back at home,” Taylor said. “At the end of the day, November-December you want to be playing your best ball.”

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Scorching hot Colts set sights on potential Kyler Murray-less Cardinals

Posted on | by Field Level Media

When the Arizona Cardinals visit the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, it might be considered a tale of two quarterbacks.

Daniel Jones is thriving in his new home and Kyler Murray might not be able to answer the bell, which could make Indianapolis (4-1) an even bigger favorite than the 7 1/2-point spread reflected at mid-week.

Jones is coming off another efficient effort last week in a 40-6 rout of Las Vegas, completing 20 of 29 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Through five games, Jones’ completion percentage (71.3) and QB rating (105.1) are career highs.

It’s quite a turnaround for the 28-year old Jones, who flamed out last year with the New York Giants and wound up 2024 as a backup to Sam Darnold in Minnesota. Jones admits that New York’s constant losing ways took a toll on him.

“I don’t know if I could say I ever hated the game,” he said. “But those drives back from the stadium after a loss, stuck in traffic, make you think about a lot of things. The end in New York was tough and you go through a lot.”

Jones has led the Colts to 163 points in the first five games. Only the 2007 Colts, with stars like Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, have scored more points (164) in the first five games of a season in Indianapolis history.

The team did get bad news last week as Spencer Shrader suffered a torn ACL and MCL while being roughed after kicking an extra point. Michael Badgley, who hasn’t kicked since last July after tearing a hamstring, won a tryout Tuesday to earn the job.

“I always knew I was going to get back so I just kept a positive mindset,” Badgley said.

Meanwhile, Arizona (2-3) faces the possibility of being without Murray. He injured his foot in the third quarter of last week’s 22-21 upset loss at home against Tennessee and was able to finish the game.

But Murray missed practice Wednesday, leaving backup Jacoby Brissett to handle the reps. Coach Jonathan Gannon said that if Murray was healthy enough to play, he would play. If not, the Cardinals will try to snap their three-game skid with Brissett at the controls.

“He’s a true pro,” Gannon said of Brissett. “I know that term gets thrown around but when you’re in his seat, the quarterback position is the hardest in sports and to know that you’re one play away from your role changing, you really do got to be on the details like you’re the starter.”

If Brissett has to play, he at least brings extensive experience to the huddle. The 10-year veteran has started 53 games, 30 of them with Indianapolis in four seasons. He went 11-19 as a Colts starter, throwing for 31 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.

Murray’s status is one of many stories around Arizona. Gannon was fined $100,000 by the franchise for punching running back Emari Demercado after he dropped the ball just outside the goal line, turning a 72-yard touchdown run into a touchback that started Tennessee’s comeback from a 21-6 deficit. Gannon apologized to Demercado and the team for the incident.

Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (pectoral), who didn’t play last week, didn’t practice Wednesday. Seven starters were listed on their initial injury report.

The Colts meanwhile had six players on their initial injury report, with three not practicing at all. Among them was starter Kenny Moore II, who sat out with an Achilles injury.

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Daniel Jones, Colts bring big-time offense to LA to face Rams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts have become something of an offensive force and will take their high-flying show to Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday to face the Los Angeles Rams.

Off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2009, the Colts are rolling behind new quarterback Daniel Jones, who is third in the NFL with 816 passing yards. Jones has just three touchdown passes but has not thrown an interception and has been sacked just twice.

Indianapolis is tied for second in the NFL with 34.3 points per game.

The Colts’ defense is seventh with 272.3 yards allowed, while their four sacks last weekend led the way in a 41-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans that included 102 yards and three touchdowns from running back Jonathan Taylor.

Indianapolis sealed its most recent victory on Taylor’s 46-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter that gave them a 34-13 lead.

Free from a six-year run with the New York Giants, Jones has flashed the potential that made him the sixth overall draft pick in 2019.

“Most of it is the communication and me just trying to listen and understand what he wants done,” Jones said of his relationship with head coach Shane Steichen. “He’s aggressive and on the attack (as a play caller) and likes to force the issue and take advantage of things we’ve prepared for.”

The Colts were without cornerback Kenny Moore II (Achilles), wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion), guard Matt Goncalves (toe), defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (back) in practice Wednesday. Cornerback Mike Hilton, who signed Monday, could be ready to make his Colts debut.

The Rams (2-1) were on their way to a third victory in three games before a second-half collapse during a 33-26 loss at Philadelphia last Sunday.

Conservative on second down in the second half and ineffective on third down throughout the game, the Rams looked nothing like the team that had a 19-7 lead at halftime.

Los Angeles had just 144 net yards in the second half, while its solid defense gave up 19 points after halftime. Another touchdown came on an Eagles blocked field goal and return to the end zone on the final play of the game.

On special teams, kicker Joshua Karty had two field goals blocked, including the 44-yarder that would have won the game as time expired.

“We turned the page on Monday,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “There’s a lot of good things we can learn from it … and I was proud as hell of our football team.”

Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford was 19-of-33 passing for a season-low 196 yards. The Rams did have a season-high 160 rushing yards with a season-best 94 from Kyren Williams.

“Kyren was an unbelievable tone setter for us,” Stafford said. “His play with the football was great. His play without the football was probably better, which is tough to say because the guy ran the ball great.”

With four sacks against the Eagles, the Rams are tied for the NFL lead with 12. The defense is also fifth in the NFL with 268.3 yards allowed per game.

Los Angeles is the only NFL team in the top five in both yards allowed on defense per game (268.3) and yards gained on offense per contest (363.7).

The Rams were without wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) but the absences were more akin to veteran rest days. Left guard Steve Avila (ankle), who hasn’t played since Week 1, was limited.

-Field Level Media

Aug 23, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) leaves the field after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USAToday Network via Imagn Images

Colts GM on QB Anthony Richardson: ‘We’re not trading him’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard made it clear Wednesday that he is not entertaining trade offers for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The Colts announced last week that they are turning to free agent acquisition Daniel Jones over fellow former first-round pick Richardson as the team’s starting quarterback.

Many speculated that signals the end in Indianapolis for Richardson, who has struggled with injuries and accuracy since being selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

“It’s easy to say he’s done and I don’t agree,” Ballard said Wednesday. “I do not agree with that. I think overcoming challenges or obstacles along the way are good for anybody. I’m proud of Anthony of where he’s at, how far he’s come. He’s come miles.”

When asked if any team has reached out to potentially trade for Richardson, Ballard was succinct.

“No, but we’re not trading him,” he said.

Ballard admitted that he has been in communication with Richardson’s representatives but stressed that the team is not done with him.

“Not a lot of talks with AR but have had a lot of talks with his agent,” Ballard said. “Coaching staff, they talk to Anthony a bunch. One thing that’s getting overshadowed a little bit is Daniel. Both of them competed. … And at the end of the day, Daniel won the job. Does that mean we are done with Anthony? No. But I don’t want to dismiss the run he’s had here.”

For his career, Richardson has completed just 50.6 percent of his passes for 2,391 yards and 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 15 games. He has also rushed for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Richardson, 23, has been limited to 15 starts over his first two NFL seasons due to a myriad of injuries, including to his shoulder, oblique, foot, back and finger, as well as a concussion.

The Colts open the season Sept. 7 at home against the Miami Dolphins.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) and Daniel Jones (17) pass Wednesday, July 23, 2025, during the first day of training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.

Colts tab QB Daniel Jones as starter

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts are turning to free-agent acquisition Daniel Jones over fellow former first-round pick Anthony Richardson as the team’s starting quarterback.

“He’s our starting quarterback for the season,” head coach Shane Steichen said Tuesday. “I feel confident in his abilities.”

Signed to a one-year, $14 million contract in the offseason, Jones joined the Colts to take part in an open competition for the job.

“When they both came in, I made it very clear that this is going to be a battle, and they’re going to compete for the job,” Steichen said Saturday after Indianapolis’ preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. “And like I said, I’m going to make the decision I feel is best for the football team.”

It’s a second chance at an NFL starting job for Jones, one that puts Richardson’s future with the Colts in question.

Jones, 28, was the No. 6 overall pick by the New York Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear in 2023 but returned in time to start the 2024 season as the team’s No. 1 quarterback.

He was benched after a 2-8 start to the season by New York and was replaced by Tommy DeVito, prompting Jones to request to be released from the Giants last November before signing with the Minnesota Vikings and was assigned to the practice squad. He did not play in any games with the Vikings, who planned to have J.J. McCarthy under center to start the 2025 season.

Jones has 14,582 passing yards, 70 touchdown passes and 47 interceptions in 70 career games (69 starts). He has 2,179 rushing yards with 15 TDs. His record as the Giants’ starter was 24-44-1.

Richardson, 23, has struggled with both injuries and with inaccurate passing since being selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

For his career, Richardson has completed 50.6 percent of his passes for 2,391 yards and 11 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in 15 games. He has also been sacked 21 times and committed 12 fumbles.

Richardson has been limited to 15 starts over his first two NFL seasons due to a myriad of injuries, including to his shoulder, oblique, foot, back and finger, as well as a concussion.

The Colts open the 2025 season Sept. 7 against the visiting Miami Dolphins.

–Field Level Media

Aug 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) attempts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Colts QB Anthony Richardson hurts throwing hand in preseason opener

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Anthony Richardson’s poor injury luck continued Thursday night when the quarterback left the first quarter of the Indianapolis Colts’ preseason opener at the Baltimore Ravens.

Richardson got the start over offseason acquisition Daniel Jones and suffered a finger injury on his right (throwing) hand on his second drive under center.

He was sacked by David Ojabo for an eight-yard loss midway through the first quarter, and replay showed his pinkie finger was bent at an awkward angle. Richardson immediately came out of the game, replaced by Jones.

In his brief appearance Thursday, Richardson completed 2 of 3 passes for 21 yards.

Richardson is battling to keep his starting job after making 11 starts in 2024 and briefly being benched for Joe Flacco.

As a rookie in 2023, Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain in his fourth career start and soon underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. He missed two games with an oblique injury as well as two more due to back spasms last season and missed mandatory minicamp with a shoulder injury this summer.

–Field Level Media