What started as a career renaissance for Daniel Jones, the 2025 season has turned to chaos. Jones suffered an Achilles injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season. To say that Jones was everything, maybe more, that the Colts asked for is an understatement. Jones was a top 10 quarterback in many categories coming into Week 14. Now, after the injury, minds are swirling. What does the Daniel Jones injury mean for the Colts?
Quarterback Carousel
The Colts cannot catch a break when it comes to the quarterback position. They have had 11 different quarterbacks since 2019. Going into week 15, that number will likely go up to 12 with the recent Daniel Jones injury. Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will more than likely start for the team in Week 15. Especially due to the unknown status of former first-round pick Anthony Richardson. Even with the team still clinging to a playoff spot, frustrations are obviously growing high in Indy. The Daniel Jones injury not only raises questions for his future, but for the team as well.
Next Steps
The Colts haven’t had a consistent quarterback since Andrew Luck. They have plugged and played many other guys at the position, but it never seems to work out. What even are the next possible options? Drafting a franchise-level quarterback is out of the question, considering the Colts traded their next two first-round picks. Getting another rental for the position seems like it would only bring more frustration than anything. Do the Colts still give Jones an extension based on what he did before the injury? Or do they finally give the keys to Anthony Richardson?
With salary cap issues looming after the 2027 season, it makes the decision becomes even more hectic. The Colts cannot keep paying for rentals. Obviously, Jones has looked the best, but will he be healthy enough to go by the start of next season? The Colts may not want to take that chance in giving Jones the money if he’s not. On the other hand, Richardson’s health is in question as well. It is truly a unique situation brewing for the Colts. It’s also highly unlikely that they go into the season with Riley Leonard being the starter as well. As it seems, the Daniel Jones injury causes more problems for the future than it does the present.
Confidence in Anthony Richardson
With the Daniel Jones injury, Anthony Richardson could possibly be getting the green light to lead this franchise. The question that surrounds him is whether he has what it takes to lead this franchise. Richardson has shown flashes of having elite talent. The issues that surround him are injuries and quarterback IQ. It is hard to be a successful NFL player, let alone a quarterback, on physical talent alone. There has to be talent between the ears as well. If Richardson can develop that, there is no doubt he can be an elite NFL quarterback.
Richardson’s last contract year with the Colts is next year. If he is the starter next season and has a good year, the Colts would be able to afford him based on past seasons alone. Meaning that he doesn’t have the resume to go out and get a huge payday. It is certainly a possibility that Richardson comes back and has success. He has the weapons, and he has the talent.
The Daniel Jones injury has the possibility to impact the Colts for the next 3 years. It really is unfortunate for Jones because of the season he was having. The Colts will have a lot to figure out after this season. Once again, it revolves around the quarterback position. It will be interesting to see how the rest of this season plays out and how the front office attacks the offseason. Anything can happen, but more dark days in quarterback hell could be looming in Indianapolis.
