Jason OwensStaff writerTue, April 21, 2026 at 9:51 PM UTC·3 min readIndianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is dropping back and passing, less than five months since he ruptured his Achilles tendon.
Head coach Shane Steichen revealed the news to reporters on Tuesday and also noted that the Colts expect Jones to be ready for training camp.
The projected timeline and the news that Jones is conducting passing drills is welcome for the Colts, considering that Jones ruptured his Achilles tendon on Dec. 7. Jones was also playing on a fracture fibula in his opposite leg when he sustained the injury.
“He’s been tirelessly working at it,” Steichen said of Jones’ rehab. “He’s been in here every day, whatever, 8 to 3 o'clock. I know he’s trying to hit certain landmarks, and he’s on a good path with that.
“He’s dropping back, he’s throwing, so he’s in a good spot. We’ll see how the OTAs go, but anticipate him being ready for training camp.”
The Colts gambled on Jones' health and ability with a contract extension. Shane Steichen described Jones' rehab from his Achilles injury as "phenomenal."
Achilles tendon tears have traditionally required lengthy rehabs and have had the potential to be career-altering and, in some cases, career-ending. But like with other severe injuries in sports, medical advancements have changed prognoses and timelines, and it appears that Jones is a beneficiary of those advancements.
Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon last postseason and was initially expected to miss the entirety of this season and the playoffs. But he made a stunning return for the last 16 games of the regular season, less than 10 months after his injury. He’s now leading the Celtics as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Jones, Steichen noted, had the same surgeon as Tatum, Dr. Martin J. O'Malley. O’Malley specializes in a minimally invasive surgery procedure that has the potential to reduce the risk of complications to reduce recovery time.
Steichen described Jones’ rehab process as “phenomenal.” And he told reporters Tuesday that the Colts have consulted with Celtics president of basketball operations about Tatum’s rehab and recovery.
“I had a chance to talk to Brad Stevens and his rehab process, that Tatum went through,” Steichen said. “He was in that building all day, every day. And Daniel’s the same way, so those guys know how to go about their business in the rehab process. And I think Daniel’s doing it the right way.
“So him dropping back and throwing right now is pretty impressive.”
Steichen indicated that the Colts weren’t going to take any unnecessary risks with Jones’ rehab. He’s uncertain at this point how involved Jones will be in OTAs that. Minicamp is scheduled to start on June 9.
“We’ve got to be smart with him, for sure,” he continued. “Obviously, we’re not playing any games right now. I know he’s ripping and roaring and ready to go and all those things. But we’ve to to be smart with him.”
The Colts signed Jones to a contract extension this offseason despite the Achilles injury and Jones’ lack of consistent production and success during his seven-season NFL career. The deal is for two years and $88 million with $50 million guaranteed and incentives that can increase the total value to $100 million.
Anthony Richardson, whom the Colts selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, remains on the roster.