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Stampede Blue fantasy football takes on Daniel Jones
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Stampede Blue about Daniel Jones.
56
Insights
29
Positive
16
Negative
Insight ledger
All Stampede Blue insights about Daniel Jones
NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Starting quarterback for the Colts will not play in the preseason finale against Detroit; head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Jones will sit out despite being the starter, with starters playing only 8-10 plays total.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback with strong chemistry and rapport with head coach Shane Steichen; the two held dedicated Friday and Saturday one-on-one meetings to align on play-calling and Jones's comfort level each week. Steichen recalled a Week 1 example where Jones independently recognized a soft Cover Zero look, checked the protection, and executed a quick out to Josh Downs for a first down—a play they had discussed but Steichen did not explicitly call in-game, demonstrating Jones's film study, understanding of the offense's intricacies, and ability to make real-time adjustments. Jones won the starting job in training camp and preseason not solely on on-field play but also for being first in and last to leave the facility, his extra film study, bonding with teammates, and off-field chemistry with Steichen (the two attended a Butler game courtside together early in the season). In his first season under Steichen, Jones was on track for a breakout year before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 14.PositiveInjuryAug 21, 2026
Daniel Jones achieved full participation in training camp, resolving injury uncertainty heading into the final practices. This contrasts with other players like Alec Pierce and Charvarius Ward whose injury statuses remained unresolved.PositiveProjectionAug 20, 2026
Jones returned to full participation in joint practice against Atlanta post-Achilles injury, completing 15-of-15 passes and demonstrating he has "picked up right where he left off as the leader of the Indianapolis Colts." The source frames his health recovery as "more than a blip at this point" and emphasizes that his performance level this season is critical to the franchise's success; if the Colts get "Danny Dimes" rather than the "lost looking Jones from the late stages in New York," he will "prove to be the absolute best choice for this franchise and save a lot of jobs." The perfect completion rate in practice, while acknowledged as a single data point, is characterized as "a great sign" for his readiness and capability to reach a new level of play.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
QB Daniel Jones had a strong performance during the joint practice against the Falcons, with the Colts passing attack faring better than their running game offensively; Jones carved up the Falcons defense.PositiveProjectionAug 20, 2026
Colts starting quarterback Jones had an immaculate performance in team drills despite focusing on the defense and missing most of his weapons. Jones completed all 15 of his pass attempts, distributing the ball while avoiding any unforced turnovers; his final throw was a 30-yard crosser to Downs over the middle delivered just before a massive hit was waiting for his slot receiver.NegativeValueAug 19, 2026
Jones was not listed among the top 50 sold jerseys in the league last year and may not have even been the top-selling Colts #17. The source attributes fan reluctance partly to uncertainty about his durability (he missed time with injury) and his free-agent status at season's end, despite the Colts sitting atop the standings and putting up points at a historic rate.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Jones is the confirmed starting QB for the Colts, making north of $40 million per year for this year and next. He is locked in as a Colt for two years with an out after this year and void years that do not guarantee his tenure past 2027. The only QB competition in Colts camp is for the backup role.NegativeInjuryAug 19, 2026
Jones returns from a serious ankle/leg injury sustained last year. Practice observers report they cannot tell he has had an injury. Given the normal timeline for an Achilles return, he had to have taken his rehab very seriously. He does not have to show anything in the preseason.PositiveProjectionAug 19, 2026
The source believes Jones is an easy guy to root for and a grounded leader embraced by teammates; he made above-average throws last year, benefitted from a scheme that played to his strengths, and made solid pre- and post-snap reads that gave plays the best chance to work. The source is personally comfortable saying they want him as the Colts QB for the next 8–10 years.NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026
Suffered season-ending torn Achilles that limited him during the season; his injury derailed both his own performance and the Colts' team success down the final stretch, ending Taylor's bona fide NFL MVP candidacy that had been in place earlier in the season.NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026
Daniel Jones is coming off a late-season torn Achilles and has durability concerns dating back to his Giants tenure, described as not being an 'NFL ironman.' This injury history and lack of durability elevates the backup QB situation's importance and increases the likelihood that Richardson Sr. could see meaningful playing time in 2026.PositiveProjectionAug 16, 2026
Starting quarterback connected on multiple touchdown passes in 11-on-11 red zone work, including to Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, Seth McGowan, Laquon Treadwell, and Tyler Warren; Colts secondary stifled him for much of the afternoon with tight coverage, forcing him to hold the football longer in the pocket.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
As the Colts' starting QB, Jones' injury risk is critical to the team's season outlook; the source notes that statistically the odds are not in Jones' favor to be on the field for a full season, making the backup QB competition an important storyline despite the hope that none of the backups actually play.NegativeProjectionAug 12, 2026
Daniel Jones is back on the Colts roster with a two-year, $88 million contract with $44 million guaranteed. From Weeks 1-9 in 2025, the Colts ranked first in Offensive DVOA with Jones under center, but he regressed in the second half and was lost to a right Achilles tear and fractured fibula in Week 13. The source notes that if Jones can replicate his first-half performance in Shane Steichen's offense, the Colts will be well-positioned in 2026.PositiveInjuryAug 12, 2026
Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones has looked very sharp in training camp and shown no lingering effects from last season's Achilles tear; however, he will not play in any preseason games as the team manages his recovery.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Daniel Jones stayed sharp during the Colts' joint practice against the New England Patriots, demonstrating solid performance in the preseason preparation phase.NegativeRoleAug 11, 2026
Starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and is at full strength; his role is secure and will not be affected by preseason performance.NegativeDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Listed as the starting quarterback on the Colts' first unofficial depth chart of 2026, though he is not expected to play in Thursday night's preseason opener against New England; Shane Steichen's plan is for Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson Sr. to split reps in that game.NegativeInjuryAug 10, 2026
Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones, recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last year, has shown no signs of the injury during team training camp; will not play in Preseason Week 1 against the Patriots, especially given the newly installed turf at Gillette Stadium.NegativeRoleAug 10, 2026
Daniel Jones experienced a turnover-filled morning practice session during Colts training camp, indicating ball security and decision-making concerns during early August drills.NegativeRoleAug 7, 2026
Daniel Jones participated in the Colts' first night practice of training camp, demonstrating active involvement in the team's quarterback rotation during the preseason slate.PositiveProjectionAug 7, 2026
Quarterback Daniel Jones continued his impressive stretch of camp, looking more comfortable while operating the offense both inside and outside the pocket. He orchestrated the run-pass-option scheme effectively, using play-action to throw dig routes and post routes to receivers, escaped pressure to deliver a 25-yard strike to Ashton Dulin up the seam, threw a perfectly placed wheel route 30 yards downfield to tight end Tyler Warren between two defenders, and capped the night with a laser touchdown pass to Dulin in the back of the end zone.PositiveProjectionAug 6, 2026
The source notes that with a fully healthy Daniel Jones at starting quarterback, the Colts featured a historically elite offense and sat at 8-2 at their midseason BYE week in 2025. However, critical later season lower leg injuries to Jones, capped off by a season-ending torn Achilles, derailed Indianapolis' once promising campaign as the Colts lost 7 straight games and fell to 8-7, missing the playoffs. For 2026, Jones is re-signed and looking healthy coming off the Achilles tear, positioning the Colts to reclaim their 2025 midseason form and return to postseason play.NegativeInjuryAug 5, 2026
Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in December that ended his season and coincided with the Colts' late-season collapse (7 straight losses). He also sustained a fractured fibula earlier in the season. Currently practicing without limitations at training camp.PositiveProjectionAug 5, 2026
In his first year with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, Jones was in the midst of a career year before injuries, leading a historically elite league offense on a team that sat 8-2. Despite missing the Colts' last four games due to Achilles injury, Jones was named a Pro Bowl alternate. Completed 261 of 384 pass attempts (68.0%) for 3,101 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and 5 rushing touchdowns in 13 starts.NegativeBustAug 5, 2026
Jones showed signs of regression before lower-leg injuries and is viewed as a system quarterback heavily dependent on star workhorse Jonathan Taylor as the offense's true focal point to open up his passing game. Production tapered later in the season after defenses had more video to study. One executive expressed concern that Jones' history of lower-body injuries could threaten his mobility longer term.PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Multiple defensive coordinators credited Colts coach Shane Steichen's offensive scheme and game planning for Jones' improvement. One defensive coordinator noted Jones showed he could execute at a high level when protected and given clear answers; another praised Steichen's tempo management and play-calling precision. A defensive coordinator whose team faced the Colts said Steichen's scheme was not possible with previous quarterbacks, and Jones demonstrated intelligence in getting into right plays and progressions.PositiveProjectionAug 5, 2026
Daniel Jones ascended a tier in The Athletic's latest quarterback rankings with the greatest year-over-year improvement among his peers (+1.1 average vote jump), climbing eight spots to rank 21st overall. He set career bests in yards per attempt, passer rating, and EPA per pass play before suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in December. Received more Tier 2 votes (eight) than the rest of his career combined (six).PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Daniel Jones is actively participating in Colts training camp and showing competence in quarterback drills during OTA offseason workouts, indicating he is in the mix for the starting quarterback role.PositiveInjuryAug 5, 2026
Jones is looking healthy enough to be the Colts' starting QB when the season starts, which eliminates the biggest question mark for the offense. The source is allowing itself to feel good about the offense to this point given his health status.PositiveProjectionAug 4, 2026
Colts QB signed to two-year, $88M extension (incentives up to $100M) in March; before Achilles injury, led NFL in yards per play (6.3) and points per game (29.8); completed 9-of-11 passes in team drills on Day 6 with multiple explosive plays including 50-yard deep completions to Treadwell and Dulin, 20-yard strikes to Warren, and a 50+ yard screen to Taylor; demonstrated full health, accuracy, and willingness to attack vertically; showed mobility remains a weapon in Steichen's offense.PositiveInjuryAug 4, 2026
Jones is recovering impressively from a torn Achilles suffered in Jacksonville; eight months post-injury, he is running without issue, demonstrating full leg healing, and executing mobility-dependent plays (scrambling, getting out of pocket) in training camp drills. His mobility—a core part of his game—has returned quickly, which is highly fortunate and puts the Colts' season back on track. Teammates Mo Alie-Cox and Quentin Nelson report he looks fully healed: Alie-Cox said 'He looks like he never got hurt,' and Nelson said 'He's been incredible. He's back like he's never left.' The source notes that a healthy Jones is essential to the Colts' hopes, and his rapid return to form is incredibly encouraging.NegativeInjuryAug 4, 2026
Re-signed as QB1 but faces durability concerns; must regain first half 2025 form while recovering from late-season torn Achilles and managing prior injury history with Giants; staying healthy for entire season is critical to Colts' playoff hopes.NegativeProjectionAug 3, 2026
QB completed just 5-of-7 passes across three team periods with zero attempts thrown further than 10 yards downfield during first padded practice; absence of receiver Alec Pierce removed vertical element of offense, allowing defense to tighten coverage underneath.PositiveRoleAug 2, 2026
Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones had a strong practice performance at Saturday's indoor training camp session, showing command and accuracy with a hot hand during the final practice before pads come on.PositiveMatchupAug 1, 2026
A balanced receiver room with Harrison Jr., Pierce, Downs, and Warren would make life easier for Daniel Jones now and for whoever leads the Colts offense beyond him.NegativeInjuryAug 1, 2026
Post-Achilles tear recovery is uncertain heading into the 2026 season; could take time if ever to regain confidence in his ankle. Jones has struggled to finish a full season every year he's been in the league, raising durability concerns.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
The source observed a crisper Daniel Jones during Colts training camp day 2, suggesting improved performance and command in practice.PositiveProjectionJul 30, 2026
Colts QB Daniel Jones completed 7-of-9 passes in an efficient practice session, operating the run-pass-option offense that led the NFL in yards per play (6.3) and points per game (29.8) prior to his season-ending Achilles injury last year. He showed command hitting Josh Downs on an out route, Ashton Dulin over the middle, Laquon Treadwell twice on dig routes, and developed a strong connection with tight end Tyler Warren, who fetched a handful of targets throughout team periods. His first visible mistake was a pick-six when defensive end Laiatu Latu pressured him, but the source notes there are no limits on what he's doing in another rather efficient practice.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Starting Colts QB operating the run-pass-option offense that led the NFL in yards per play (6.3) and points per game (29.8) prior to his season-ending Achilles injury last year; completed 7-of-9 passes in an efficient practice session, hitting Josh Downs on an out route, Ashton Dulin over the middle, Laquon Treadwell twice on dig routes, and developing a strong connection with tight end Tyler Warren who fetched a handful of targets throughout team periods.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Took first-team snaps with no ill effects in initial training camp practices; movement was reported as a non-issue. The source emphasizes that Jones replicating last year's performance is paramount to the season outlook and expresses optimism about the coming season.PositiveProjectionJul 30, 2026
Took first-team snaps with no ill effects in initial training camp practices; the source emphasizes that Jones replicating last year's performance is paramount to season outlook and reports his movement was a non-issue.PositiveRoleJul 30, 2026
Daniel Jones showed no ill effects from his Achilles injury at Colts training camp day 1, giving a thumbs up during drills and demonstrating positive recovery status heading into the season.NegativeProjectionJul 29, 2026
Finished 4-of-8 passing during competitive team periods against a secondary featuring All-Pro cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward. Flashed encouraging moments connecting with Tyler Warren on a hitch and post route, and delivered deeper completions to Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell in 7-on-7 work.PositiveRoleJul 29, 2026
Cleared with no restrictions and took every first-team rep during the opening practice; felt satisfied about being ready for the start of camp. For the first time in five years of coverage, there is no starting QB position battle, establishing Jones as the uncontested starter.NegativeInjuryJul 29, 2026
Jones is limited coming off a torn Achilles and has had durability concerns throughout his career, dating back to his New York Giants days. The Colts are keeping all three quarterbacks (Jones, Richardson, and Leonard) partly because of Jones's injury status and history, making additional quarterback depth prudent.PositiveInjuryJul 28, 2026
Daniel Jones will be a full participant in training camp for the Indianapolis Colts, returning sooner than expected. However, the source emphasizes that Jones's success depends critically on receiving weapons; without adequate pass-catchers, he risks extended pocket time and re-injury exposure.NegativeProjectionJul 28, 2026
Daniel Jones for Comeback Player of the Year at +1700 makes logical sense on paper—he is coming off an Achilles injury, expected to start, and if the Colts make the playoffs with him playing well, the narrative is obvious: former Giants quarterback revives his career in Indianapolis and stabilizes a franchise searching for answers. However, the competition is too strong. Patrick Mahomes being the favorite makes this much harder to like. If Mahomes plays most of the season and returns to his usual level, voters will likely ignore Jones's narrative. Jones would need not just a solid season but a very good one, plus a Colts playoff berth, plus enough national attention to overcome bigger-name candidates. At +1700, the number is not ridiculous, but there is not enough value. Jones can be worthwhile in team markets because competent quarterback play may lift the Colts, but for an individual award, the bar is higher.PositiveInjuryJul 27, 2026
Daniel Jones confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show that he will fully participate in 11-on-11 team drills when Colts training camp begins, returning to full participation approximately seven and a half months after suffering an Achilles tear in Week 14 against Jacksonville. Jones stated he is "ready to go" and had already participated in seven-on-seven drills during OTAs with continued extra sprint work. The source notes this removes a major question for Indianapolis, as the Colts need Jones working with the first-team unit to build chemistry and prove that his pre-injury success—3,101 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns in 13 starts with third-ranked yards per attempt and sixth-ranked QBR among qualifying quarterbacks—can carry over. However, the source emphasizes Jones still must prove on the field that the Achilles is not limiting his movement, confidence, or ability to operate under pressure.NegativeInjuryJul 25, 2026
Jones isn't healthy and might miss the start of the season; the Colts are banking on him to perform like he did early last year, but that is a major roll of the dice given his durability and performance ceiling concerns.NegativeInjuryJul 24, 2026
Starting quarterback suffered season-ending torn Achilles in Week 14 and was re-signed to 2-year extension worth up to $100M in earned incentives. For a QB who relies heavily on mobility for playmaking, full recovery in the short term is realistically unlikely; 2026 could function as a redshirt year. Ongoing Achilles rehab results are encouraging, but the injury directly impacts his 2026 outlook and the Colts' ability to repeat early 2025 success.NegativeInjuryJul 24, 2026
Daniel Jones is recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury that is expected to slow the Colts' passing game at least early in the 2026 season. The injury derailed the Colts' 2025 campaign when they were 8-2 with an elite offense; Jones's absence coincided with Taylor failing to eclipse 100 rushing yards in each of his final 7 starts and the team losing all 7 games.NegativeInjuryJul 22, 2026
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was enjoying a career season before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles injury that caused him to miss the team's last 4 starts. The Colts ranked 9th in total passing yards per game (227.8 ypg) last season, and that production was achieved despite Jones missing the final four games due to the injury.NegativeProjectionJul 22, 2026
Projected trade value of conditional third-round pick, contingent entirely on 2024 season performance. The source emphasizes Jones is the hardest to evaluate in this range because his value hinges on whether he stabilizes the Colts' offense, protects the football, and looks like a legitimate starting quarterback; if he performs as a bridge quarterback, value drops quickly to Day 3 range. A conditional pick structure makes sense because teams would want protection based on starts, performance, or playoff results.NegativeInjuryJul 22, 2026
Jones is coming off a torn Achilles injury, which has sapped the effectiveness of significantly better quarterbacks in the past; the source questions whether he'll return to his midseason 2025 form or revert to his oft-injured, turnover-prone Giants version, creating major uncertainty for his 2026 fantasy outlook.