Story perspectives

Colts keep Daniel Jones starter after Tennessee loss

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 2:14 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Steichen Retains Jones

Coach Shane Steichen kept Daniel Jones as starter after the 26-20 loss to Tennessee.
Jones completed 22 of 42 passes for 269 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and six sacks.
Jones has accounted for nine turnovers in the Colts’ first six games.
Fans booed and chanted “Fire Ballard,” pressuring coach Steichen and GM Chris Ballard.

Summary

Colts Trade Pick

The Indianapolis Colts traded their 2027 first-round draft pick for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Analysts say a fire-sale could involve moving Jonathan Taylor, Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner and Sauce Gardner.
Special teams coordinator Brian Mason and assistant GM Ed Dodds are cited as possible interim head-coach candidates.
Season-ticket holders are urging fellow fans not to renew, citing declining attendance at Lucas Oil Stadium.

History

Historical Context

After the Lions posted a 0-16 record in 2008—the first NFL team to lose every game in a 16-game schedule and to surrender a franchise-record 517 points—owner William Clay Ford Sr. backed a roster overhaul led by GM Matt Millen, including trading the 2009 first-round pick. The move deepened Ford Field attendance declines, a pattern echoed by fan pressure on Colts GM Chris Ballard today.

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Steichen Retains Jones

Coach Shane Steichen kept Daniel Jones as starter after the 26-20 loss to Tennessee.
Jones completed 22 of 42 passes for 269 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and six sacks.
Jones has accounted for nine turnovers in the Colts’ first six games.
Fans booed and chanted “Fire Ballard,” pressuring coach Steichen and GM Chris Ballard.

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