Daniel Jones has spent the entire offseason diligently working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon sustained late in the 2025 season. Through months of rehab, individual drills, and 7-on-7 work, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback has checked all the necessary boxes. However, the next crucial step of full 11-on-11 team drills at the mandatory minicamp will not be part of his preparation--not yet.
The Colts are taking a deliberately cautious approach with Jones's recovery. While he continues to participate in individual drills and 7-on-7 sessions, he will be held out of full team-period work for now. Head coach Shane Steichen, in collaboration with the medical and training staff, has prioritized Jones's long-term health over exposing him to the contact and intensity of live 11-on-11 reps before training camp begins next month.
This timeline might feel slower than anticipated for some, especially given Jones's established role as the Colts' starting quarterback. He appeared in 13 games in 2025 prior to the injury, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while completing 68 percent of his passes. His mobility added an extra dimension, contributing 164 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Tearing an Achilles tendon is one of the more serious injuries for any athlete, and rushing back too fast could jeopardize his career trajectory.
Throughout organized team activities (OTAs) this offseason, Jones has been limited to 7-on-7 and individual drills, a pattern continuing through the minicamp. The Colts are effectively using these next few weeks as an extended ramp-up period to allow Jones to regain strength and explosiveness gradually. The goal is for him to be fully cleared and ready for full team practices once training camp opens in late July. However, the team is careful not to make any guarantees.
One of the broader uncertainties for the Colts lies in the quarterback depth chart while Jones remains in rehab. Steichen has not yet named any starter for the 2026 season. Behind Jones, the room consists of Riley Leonard, Anthony Richardson Sr., and Easton Stick. Leonard, a 2025 draft pick, saw limited action last season, throwing for 415 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Richardson, the team's former first-round pick, only appeared in two games in 2025. Easton Stick rounds out the group, offering veteran presence but limited production. None of these players have demonstrated the full-year starter-level production or mobility Jones offered before his injury.
Steichen has commented on Jones's progress, describing him as "making great progress" and acknowledging that he "has worked tremendously hard this offseason." These carefully chosen words suggest the recovery is on schedule but avoid setting any rigid timelines for full practice participation. Steichen also noted that the team is "always trying to evolve offensively and find ways to get him the football," emphasizing Jones's value when healthy due to his mobility, ability to extend plays, and calm presence in the pocket.
Last season, Jones provided the Colts a steadying presence at quarterback, managing games effectively and protecting the football. His connection with running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025, helped balance the offense. Defenses had to respect Jones's ability to move outside the pocket, which in turn opened opportunities for the running game. Without Jones's mobility, the Colts lose a critical element that makes their offense more dynamic and harder to defend.
Looking ahead, training camp will be a major test for Jones's recovery. He has roughly six weeks between the minicamp and the start of full-contact practices. The team could increase his workload as camp approaches or maintain their cautious approach. Their current posture in June strongly suggests they will continue to prioritize patient progress to avoid aggravating the injury. After all, the NFL season does not begin for three more months, so there is no urgency to rush the starting quarterback back prematurely.
For Leonard, Richardson, and Stick, Jones's continued rehab offers an extended window for more reps and on-field opportunity. Leonard will receive more first-team snaps, Richardson will have chances to run with the offense beyond walk-throughs, and Stick will get additional repetitions that might not have come otherwise. Should one of them perform well enough in training camp and preseason games, Steichen may face a genuine decision regarding the Week 1 starter. Still, the most probable scenario remains Jones leading the team, assuming his health and throwing mechanics return to full form.
On the defensive side, the Colts enter 2026 with Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator. Anarumo brings extensive experience and a scheme emphasizing pressure and disguise, which could help improve a defense needing to support a still-developing offense. The offensive line features veteran leadership with Bernhard Raimann at left tackle and Quenton Nelson at left guard, providing critical stability for protecting Jones's blind side. Additionally, rookie tight end Tyler Warren adds a large-bodied target over the middle, complementing the established receiving corps.
Despite all the offseason optimism surrounding other facets of the roster, everything still hinges on the quarterback's health. Right now, Daniel Jones is not yet participating in 11-on-11 team drills. This is not a setback or a crisis but a deliberate precaution. The Colts recognize both the upside Jones offers and the risks associated with rushing back from an Achilles tear. Managing his practice workload cautiously reduces the chance of re-injury and maximizes his chances of a full, productive season in 2026.
As the weeks unfold, Jones will continue to work intensively on 7-on-7 drills, individual periods, and his rehab program, focusing on rebuilding explosiveness and confidence. The Colts' roster and coaching staff are preparing for a competitive season, but ultimately they will need their starting quarterback at full speed. For now, the team remains patient and optimistic, understanding that good things are worth waiting for.
The story of the Colts' 2026 campaign may well be one of recovery, resilience, and smart management -- starting with the slow, measured return of Daniel Jones to the field.