Colts Quarterback Daniel Jones Makes Impressive Recovery
In a remarkable feat, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is on track to be ‘full go’ when the team opens training camp on Wednesday, fewer than eight months after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury.
Speaking on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’ Jones expressed his confidence in his recovery, stating, ‘I’m feeling good. Plan is to be back in 11-on-11 full-team drills Wednesday when we start up practice, so be out there with the guys, excited to get back rolling.’ Jones attributed his positive progress to a rigorous rehabilitation program, emphasizing, ‘Rehab’s been good to this point — still some work to do as we get ready for Week 1 — but feeling really good with where I am.’
Achilles Tendon Injury and Recovery Timeline
Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon on December 7 in a Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. At the time, he was already playing through a fracture in his left fibula for several weeks. The Colts were 8-2 entering their bye when the Jones injuries began to pile up, ultimately leading to a 8-9 season with seven consecutive losses.
Jones was set to play on the rarely used transition tag this season before agreeing to a two-year, $88 million deal with the Colts shortly into free agency.
Originally joining the Colts on a one-year, $14 million deal to battle Anthony Richardson for the starting spot, Jones won the battle and was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL through 10 weeks, ranking first in passing yards, first in expected points added per play, and fourth in yards per attempt.
Challenges Ahead
While Jones is optimistic about his recovery, he acknowledged that there is still a long way to go between now and Week 1. ‘I think you’re constantly evaluating it; it’s hard not to compare it [to your previous self],’ Jones said. ‘I think I’m in a really good spot. I can do everything. There’s nothing that I can’t do. I think there’s still that last little bit that you’re working to get back, but I feel good in the next month or so as I get into team drills, 11-on-11, doing everything again with that coming back and feeling 100%.’
Notably, other quarterbacks such as Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers have struggled after returning from Achilles tendon injuries, but Jones’ youth (only 29) and comfort working from under center may be key factors in his recovery.
The Colts are set to open their season on September 13 against the Ravens in Indianapolis.
