Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones has begun to ramp up his rehabilitation program following surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles tendon the club announced. Jones, who underwent the procedure just over 4 months ago, has started to take drop backs as he looks to return to the field again in time for the start of the 2026 NFL campaign.
“He’s done a hell of a job with his rehab,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “He’s been tirelessly working at it. He’s been in here every day, 8 to 3 o’clock. I know he’s trying to hit certain landmarks, and he’s on a good path with that.”
It’s an encouraging sign for Colts fans, as the franchise faced an uncertain future under centre if Jones was unable to get back to full health in time for the regular season. Just last month the club signed the 28 year old signal caller to a 2 year deal worth up to $100M if all incentives are hit.
Indianapolis got off to a hot start last season before stumbling down the homestretch to ultimately miss the playoffs. After starting the year out with an 8-2 record, the Colts would end the season on a 7 game slide to finish 8-9, completing a remarkable second half fall from grace.
Jones started 13 games for the team, throwing for 3,101 yards and 19 TDs against 8 INTs, while also scoring 5 touchdowns on the ground. However, the team couldn’t find any kind of consistency following Jones’ injury as the club oscillated between Riley Leonard and veteran QB Philip Rivers to try to right the ship.
According to reports, Jones’ recovery is mirroring that of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum who also sustained a torn Achilles during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Tatum and Jones both used the same surgeon, and have been using the same rehabilitation process in an effort to get the quarterback ready for training camp.
Indianapolis has stopped short of saying whether the former 1st round pick will take part in official offseason workout programs, but have confirmed that he’s in the building almost everyday for rehab.
“We’ve got to be smart with him, for sure,” Steichen said. “… I know he’s ripping and roaring and ready to go and all those things, but we’ve got to be smart.”
The Colts began their offseason workouts on Monday, but Jones has been taking part in a separate custom throwing program up to this point.
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