The Indianapolis Colts got some legitimately good news this spring on a guy who basically rewrote their 2025 season before it all went sideways. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who was playing the best football of his career before tearing his Achilles last year, has hit every recovery benchmark the team set for him. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, if Jones keeps trending the way he has, he’ll start taking reps in team drills right when training camp opens.
That matters more than most mid-June updates you’ll hear. Achilles tears used to be damn near career-enders for NFL players, especially guys who rely on any mobility. But the medical side of things has come a long way. Jones isn’t just rehabbing in a pool and doing stationary bike work anymore. He’s pushing toward contact work, which is a legit milestone.
What the Colts Lost When Jones Went Down
Before the injury, Jones looked like the guy the Giants gave up on way too early. He came out of the gates in 2025 throwing with anticipation, moving well in the pocket, and making throws downfield that made you forget about the rough stretch he had in New York. The Colts were winning games they had no business winning. Then he planted wrong in Week 8 and the whole thing came apart.
Indianapolis still hasn’t given a firm timeline for when Jones will play in a real game. That’s not unusual. Teams almost never announce those dates in June. But the fact that he’s not just jogging on the side — he’s about to mix in with the first-team offense — is the kind of sign that changes how you look at the AFC South race.
No Guarantees But Real Reason for Optimism
There’s no hard schedule for Jones being cleared for contact yet. The team hasn’t confirmed anything beyond the spring benchmarks. But the fact that Breer’s sources are comfortable saying Jones will start camp in team drills means the medical staff isn’t worried about a setback. That’s more than most teams dealing with a QB coming off an Achilles can say.
If Jones picks up where he left off — and that’s always the question with this injury — the Colts have a real shot at being a problem in the AFC. They’ve got the defense, they’ve got the offensive line, and they’ve got a running game. The missing piece was a quarterback who could make plays when the pocket broke down. Jones proved he could do that last year. Now it’s just about whether his body lets him do it again.
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