Full Breakdown
Daniel Jones Shows No Signs of Achilles Injury in Colts Training Camp
8/18/2026, 6:09:57 AM
Core Event
Quarterback Daniel Jones, the Indianapolis Colts’ 2025 MVP-candidate, entered the 2026 preseason after rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon suffered in a December game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Observers at camp reported that his on-field movements gave “no hint of the injury,” and teammates said his performance suggested he had never been sidelined.
Background
During the 2025 season, Jones led Indianapolis to an 8-5 record before the injury, completing a career-best 68 % of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The loss contributed to a seven-game losing streak that ended the Colts’ playoff hopes for the first time since 2020. Prior to the injury, Jones was noted for his speed, once reaching 21 mph on a GPS tracker.
Data & Statistics
- Pre-injury max speed: 21 mph (recorded during an 80-yard run in 2020).
- Post-surgery GPS speed: 19.7 mph.
- 2025 passing completion: 68 %; yards: 3,101; touchdowns: 19; interceptions: 8.
Official Statements & Responses
Colts head coach Shane Steichen praised Jones’s rehabilitation effort, describing it as “unbelievable” and noting the quarterback’s relentless schedule of training-room work, weight-room sessions and repeated throwing drills. Steichen added that Jones’s confidence during practice signaled readiness for the upcoming season. Medical staff were cited as having cleared Jones to participate fully in joint practices, including a recent drill against the New England Patriots.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now, watching Jones at practice, there's no hint of the injury to the casual observer. Wide receiver Josh Downs said Jones looked so good at the start of camp that he forgot about the injury,” — Daniel Jones
- “I got to get my numbers back up,” — Daniel Jones
