Team news: Indianapolis Colts | Page 1

After all, Daniel Jones is set to be an unrestricted free agent. Before this injury, he was earmarked for a massive extension that would've tied him to the organization for years to come. Now, it doesn't appear like such a deal will be reached. One of the more logical roads the Colts could go down is utilizing the franchise tag on Jones, ensuring he's under contract through next season. While that locks Jones up for 2026, he might not be ready to go at the jump.

An Achilles tear is roughly a nine-month recovery. If all goes according to plan, that would be a rough return date somewhere in early September. That's precisely around the time the 2026 regular season kicks off, so it's a razor-thin margin to even begin thinking about Jones playing at the start of the year. As we've seen in the past, Achilles injuries are an uphill climb, and players are not exactly the same as they were pre-injury right out of the gate, so the Colts will need to have contingency plans at quarterback.

Related players: Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard

The Colts traded their next two first round picks for Sauce Gardner, a sign they were ready to commit to Jones as their long term option, the story pointed out. The story said the team could go with Richardson or Leonard until Jones is ready to play in 2026, and also assuming they resign him or tag him. The Colts QB situation will be one to watch heading into next season, and maybe even sooner for those in dynasty leagues.

Colts QB Daniel Jones will undergo surgery on his torn Achilles Monday.

All signs were pointing towards this being the case. It’s very unfortunate for Jones, who was doing a nice job running the Colts’ offense. He should now be viewed as questionable at best for the start of the 2026 season, not ideal when heading back into free agency in the spring. Riley Leonard will take over as the starter going forward. What was once a promising season for the Colts (started 7-1) has quickly spiraled downward. They have lost four of their last five and sit as the last team in at 8-5 with the Houston Texans breathing down their neck.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen described QB Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury as “not looking good.”

Steichen confirmed it’s an Achilles injury for Jones. While he didn’t have details on the injury, one can probably put two and two together to figure out this is likely a torn Achilles for Jones, which would end his season for 2025 and make him questionable for the start of 2026. Riley Leonard will be in line to start, as Anthony Richardson is also on injured reserve. We should know more on Monday.

Update: Adam Schefter is reporting Jones will undergo surgery on his torn Achilles Monday.

Colts QB Daniel Jones left Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with an Achilles injury.

Jones was quickly ruled out following the non-contact injury. Needless to say, his season is over and his status is up in the air for the start of the 2026 season. Very unfortunate for Jones, who was turning his career around in Indianapolis. Riley Leonard is now in at quarterback for the Colts.

The Colts have reversed course at kicker.

Indianapolis waived Michael Badgley on Tuesday, then signed former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe to their practice squad after a tryout that included former Baltimore Ravens great Justin Tucker.

Badgley was under scrutiny after missing his third extra point in seven games in the Colts' 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, the story said.

Colts TE Tyler Warren was added to the injury report Saturday with an illness and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Texans.

The Colts play in the early window, so we’ll know by about 11:30 if Warren is playing. But more often than not, we see players still play, even as a late add like this with an illness. Be sure to check the inactives just to be sure.

Colts coach Shane Steichen told reporters that QB Daniel Jones (fibula) was a full participant in practice again today and is good to go Sunday vs. Houston.

Related Players: Riley Leonard

We'd have to wonder if this fibula injury will impact the moderate upside Jones has shown on the ground through the year. Though his 159 yards rushing are pretty modest, he does have five touchdowns on the season. As for Week 13, he's more of a SuperFlex option against a tough Texans defense.

Colts QB Daniel Jones, who has been dealing with a lower leg injury, suffered a fracture in his fibula, sources say.

Jones was a full participant today and one source said, “He looked good.” Jones will continue to try to play through it. Toughness never questioned.

Related Players: Riley Leonard

We'd have to wonder if this will impact the moderate upside Jones has shown on the ground through the year. Though his 159 yards rushing are pretty modest, he does have five touchdowns on the season. As for Week 13, he's more of a SuperFlex option against a tough Texans defense.

The Saints are releasing K Blake Grupe. Cade York has been signed to replace him.

The Saints also worked out Justin Tucker, who is off his 10-game suspension but ultimately went with York. Grupe has kicked for the Saints since 2023.

Colts QB Daniel Jones was limited with a calf injury after having no injury status yesterday. Something to watch.

Related Players: Riley Leonard

With Anthony Richardson a distant memory, Leonard would be the most likely option for a spot start if Jones were to miss Week 12. This would be a pretty large downgrade to the receiving room, but there is still time left for Jones to make a recovery.