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Daniel Jones’ 2025 NFL season came to a bitter end as the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback will have to watch from the sidelines the rest of the way after suffering an Achilles injury this past week.
For the Colts, the injury is a massive loss as the team eyes a playoff spot. For Jones personally, the injury could not have come at a worse time considering he is a free agent in March.
Jones signed a prove-it deal with the Colts for this season after a tumultuous 2024 campaign in which the New York Giants, the team that drafted him sixth overall in 2019, released him midseason after signing him to a long-term extension. Not only did Jones win the starting role over Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ fourth overall pick in 2023, but he shined in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones looks on during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)
While Jones will tell you he’s completely focused on how he can help the Colts from the sideline, star receiver Michael Pittman Jr. too many on the team when he says he’s “on board” with the team bringing Jones back in 2026.
“Absolutely,” Pittman told Pakinomist Digital when asked if Jones should get another contract from Indianapolis. “I mean, I’d love to see him here. The work he’s put in and the work he’s had, I think they should strongly consider.
“I’m on board and I think most of the players are, if not all of them.”
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Jones was just 104 passing yards shy of his career high through just 13 games, tallying 3,101 on 261 completions (381 attempts). Jones posted a career-high in completion percentage (68%) while throwing 19 touchdowns and interceptions. He also ran for five scores for the Colts.
The seven-year veteran clearly felt comfortable with his new team, and it helps that running back Jonathan Taylor is performing like an MVP in the backfield, while the likes of Pittman, rookie Ty Warren, Alec Pierce and Josh Downs all contribute for the Colts.
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But Jones’ injury makes things interesting now because teams obviously want to shell out millions at the quarterback position for someone healthy. Jones also had an injury history beyond the Achilles, as he was already playing with a broken fibula, which may have contributed to the Achilles injury.
With the Giants, Jones also tore his ACL in 2023 while dealing with an ailment during his time in New York.
But depending on when Jones can return to the field, his home may be in Indianapolis for years to come.
“I feel very fortunate to be here,” Jones told Pakinomist Digital last month. “This time a year ago was obviously a lot different for me and kind of figuring out what was next and where I was going to go. … The opportunity to join the Colts and play with these guys has been incredible. I’ve been very fortunate that way, and yeah, I think I’ve learned a lot in New York and started my career there. Grateful for that, but you’ve tried to learn that way.”
PERFECTLY CLEAN, PERFECT PLAY
Pittman teamed up with Oral-B, which was recently named the official toothbrush of the NFL, and shot some fun content with the beloved Colts mascot, Blue.
Michael Pittman Jr., and beloved Colts mascot Blue, partnered with Oral-B, the official toothbrush of the NFL. (Oral-B)
Pittman and Blue tried to get their pearly whites clean with the new iO Series electric toothbrush, and while Blue is known for his moving stomach during games, he also had a huge set of teeth to get right before the game.
As someone who never deviates from his gameday routine, it starts with brushing his teeth before anything else in the morning.
“The smile is everything,” Pittman said. “Oral-B is the official toothbrush of the NFL and I just felt like it was a perfect partner because they give you the perfect clean so you can play the perfect game with their IO Series toothbrush that they just came out with. It does all the work for you, so it couldn’t be easier.”
