Daniel Jones: Everything you need to know

Colts coach Shane Steichen noted Tuesday that Jones is already "dropping back" to pass at this stage of his recovery from a torn right Achilles, James Boyd of The Athletic reports. Jones suffered his Achilles tear on Dec. 7 last year, so the QB still has a way to go in his recovery, and with that in mind the Colts have not yet put a definitive timeline on when Jones might be fully cleared. That said, Steichen noted that the team's franchise signal caller is having a "phenomenal rehab," adding that he's confident Jones is doing everything he can to be ready sooner rather than later. With Jones on the mend for now, Riley Leonard is in line to handle added first-team reps during OTAs, while Anthony Richardson (eye) -- who has requested a trade -- wasn't present for the start of Indy's current voluntary sessions.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Monday that Jones is progressing well in his recovery from the torn Achilles the quarterback suffered in December and added that the club is shooting for the QB to be ready to play by Week 1 of the upcoming season, James Palmer of The Athletic reports. Palmer notes that the Colts aren't putting a timeline on Jones' return to game action, but Ballard's comments indicate that the signal-caller could be ready from the outset of the campaign. Ballard said that Jones is currently throwing and moving and is in a "really good spot," echoing the viewpoint the QB shared on The Pat McAfee Show in mid-March. Indianapolis placed the transition tag on Jones in early March before signing him to a two-year deal less than two weeks later, making it clear that the organization views him as a central part of the team's future.

The Colts officially signed Jones (Achilles) to a two-year contract extension Thursday, Jones' contract not only provides an extra year of security with Indianapolis beyond the transition tag, that was initially extended to him, but it gives him a base salary of $50 million for 2026, per Brigid Kennedy of SI.com, $12.2 million above the tag amount even before including his $6 million in incentives. The 28-year-old said Wednesday on The Pat McAfee Show that he's fully recovered from the broken left fibula injury he dealt with in 2025 and that he's "making good progress with the rehab" from the right Achilles he suffered in December, as Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports. Jones said his goal is to "be back by Week 1 and ready to go," but it's far from a sure thing that he will be fully cleared for the start of the regular season, given the severe nature of his injury. Second-year quarterback Riley Leonard would be a candidate to start the year if Jones isn't ready to kick off there regular season, as Anthony Richardson (eye) is actively seeking a trade away from Indianapolis.