Daniel Jones injury news has sent ripples through the Indianapolis Colts’ locker room and fanbase this week, as the veteran quarterback—signed this offseason to bolster the Colts backup QB depth—faces a significant layoff. For Colts fans, the loss of Daniel Jones means more than just a missing name on the practice squad; it’s a blow to the team’s contingency plan behind starter Anthony Richardson, a young signal-caller still finding his footing in the NFL. As details emerge about the extent of the daniel jones injury, questions are mounting about how the team will adjust its QB room and what this setback means for Daniel Jones’ future with the franchise.
Daniel Jones Injury Details: What We Know So Far
According to Colts head coach Shane Steichen, Daniel Jones sustained the injury during a non-contact drill last Wednesday. Initial tests revealed a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee, an injury that typically requires 4-6 weeks of recovery. The news came as a surprise to many, as Jones had been performing well in training camp, impressing coaches with his accuracy (completing 72% of his passes in preseason scrimmages) and ability to read defenses. “Daniel was making great strides—he was connecting with receivers on deep routes and making smart decisions in the pocket,” Steichen said in a press conference. “This is a tough break for him and for our team, but we’re focused on supporting his recovery every step of the way.”
Fans have been scouring social media for updates on daniel.jones’ condition, with many using the hashtag #GetWellDaniel to share well wishes. Jones himself posted a brief update on his Instagram account, saying: “Thank you for all the support. I’m going to attack this recovery and be back stronger than ever.” The Colts medical staff has emphasized that the injury is not career-threatening, but it will require strict adherence to a rehabilitation plan to avoid long-term issues.
Impact on Colts Backup QB Depth
The loss of Daniel Jones as the colts backup qb is a significant blow to the Colts’ depth chart, especially given Anthony Richardson’s inexperience. Richardson, a second-year player, showed promise in his rookie season (throwing for 2,800 yards and 19 touchdowns) but also struggled with turnovers (12 interceptions) and decision-making under pressure. Having a veteran like Jones behind him provided a sense of security for the team and coaching staff—Jones has started 75 games in his NFL career, bringing a wealth of experience to the table.
Now, with Jones sidelined, the Colts are turning to Sam Ehlinger, a third-year QB who has only started three games in his NFL career. Ehlinger, drafted by the Colts in 2021, is known for his mobility (he rushed for 195 yards in his limited action) but has struggled with passing accuracy (completing just 58% of his passes in his starts). To compensate for this, the Colts coaching staff may adjust the offense to include more designed runs for Ehlinger, as well as shorter, high-percentage passes (like slants and quick outs) to minimize mistakes. They may also rely more on the running game, featuring Jonathan Taylor—one of the league’s top running backs—to take pressure off the backup QB.
Additionally, the Colts have signed former XFL standout A.J. McCarron to the practice squad to add depth. McCarron, a 10-year NFL veteran, has started 17 games in his career and brings a calm presence to the huddle. While he’s unlikely to see game action unless both Richardson and Ehlinger are injured, his presence provides an extra layer of security. Fans have been debating the team’s backup plan on social media, with some calling for the Colts to sign a more established veteran (like Case Keenum or Teddy Bridgewater) to replace Jones temporarily, while others believe Ehlinger is ready to step up. Regardless of the approach, one thing is clear: the Colts need Daniel Jones back healthy to maintain their QB depth.
Daniel Jones’ Journey to the Colts
Daniel Jones’ path to the Colts began after a tumultuous tenure with the New York Giants. Drafted sixth overall in 2019, Jones showed flashes of brilliance—like his 2022 season, where he threw for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 708 yards and seven scores—but struggled with consistency and injury (missing 10 games over the past two seasons). When the Giants declined to re-sign him this offseason, Jones signed a one-year deal with the Colts to serve as the colts backup qb, a role he embraced as an opportunity to rebuild his career and mentor a young starter.
“I’m excited to be here,” Jones said in his introductory press conference. “Anthony is a talented player, and I hope to bring some of my experience to help him grow. Being a backup doesn’t mean I’m not competing—every day I’m trying to get better and be ready if called upon.” His arrival was well-received by Colts fans, who saw him as a reliable option should Richardson go down with an injury. Jones’ ability to lead an offense and make quick decisions in the pocket made him an ideal backup for a team looking to develop its young starter.
Recovery Timeline and Team Response
The Colts medical staff has outlined a clear recovery plan for Daniel Jones. The first two weeks will focus on rest and rehabilitation to reduce swelling and pain, followed by a gradual return to strength training and mobility exercises (like squats and lunges) to rebuild the knee’s stability. By week three, Jones is expected to start light throwing drills, with a full return to practice possible by week five or six. The team has not placed him on injured reserve yet, keeping open the possibility of a quicker return if his recovery progresses faster than expected.
In the meantime, the Colts have adjusted their practice schedule to give Ehlinger more reps with the first-team offense. Steichen has emphasized that Ehlinger needs to be ready to play at a moment’s notice: “Sam has worked hard this offseason, and we trust him. But we also know that he needs to get more reps with the first team to be comfortable in our system. We’re going to give him every opportunity to succeed.” The Colts have also added more drill work focused on pass protection to help Ehlinger feel more secure in the pocket.
What This Means for Daniel Jones’ Future
For Daniel Jones, this injury comes at a critical juncture in his career. His one-year contract with the Colts is valued at $8 million, with $5 million guaranteed and additional incentives tied to playing time and performance—including a $1 million bonus if he starts 10 or more games. A prolonged absence could mean he misses out on those incentives, which are crucial for his financial future. Moreover, his status as the colts backup qb was already a stepping stone to rebuild his reputation after a rocky tenure with the Giants.
If Jones can return from this injury and perform well in limited action (e.g., coming in for relief or starting a few games), he could prove to the Colts (and other teams) that he’s still a viable NFL quarterback. However, if the injury lingers or affects his mobility or arm strength—two key parts of his game—it could be harder for him to find a meaningful role next offseason. Many NFL teams are looking for veteran backups who can step in and win games, but injuries can make teams hesitant to sign a player with a history of setbacks.
For now, Jones is focused on recovery, and the Colts are standing by him. “Daniel is a professional,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “He’s going to do everything he can to get back on the field as soon as possible. We’re here to support him every step of the way.” Fans are hopeful that Jones will return in time to help the Colts during their playoff push—if the team can maintain its momentum without him in the early weeks of the season.
Conclusion
The Daniel Jones injury is a significant setback for both the player and the Indianapolis Colts. As the colts backup qb, Jones was a key part of the team’s contingency plan and a valuable mentor to Anthony Richardson. While his recovery timeline is manageable, the team will need to rely on Sam Ehlinger and other backups to fill the gap in his absence. For Jones, this injury is a test of his resilience—can he overcome yet another setback and prove his worth in the NFL? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Colts and their fans are rooting for his quick and full recovery. As updates on daniel.jones’ progress continue to surface, the football world will be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds for the veteran quarterback.