In a dramatic turn of events on Sunday, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones tore his right Achilles tendon in the first quarter of the team’s 36‑19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, abruptly ending what had been a stellar bounce‑back season.
Injury details
Jones went down with a non‑contact lower right leg injury during the first quarter. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that he will undergo surgery, concluding his bounce‑back season. He slammed his helmet on the ground while being treated on the field and hobbled off. He left the stadium under his own power, limping back to the locker room with trainers.
Game impact
Indy trailed Jacksonville 14‑7 when the injury occurred and later lost 36‑19. Riley Leonard, a sixth‑round rookie from Notre Dame, stepped in as the team’s only other active quarterback. Leonard completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards and threw one interception in the loss.
Team implications
The Colts entered the game with an 8‑4 record, matching the Jaguars. The Jaguars now lead the AFC South at 9‑4, while the Colts sit at 8‑5, putting them in a precarious position. Leonard is the only healthy quarterback on the 53‑man roster; Brett Rypien remains on the practice squad, and Anthony Richardson is still on injured reserve due to a fractured orbital bone. A new quarterback may be signed later this week, according to Schefter.
Season outlook
Jones had entered Week 14 with 24 total touchdowns, seven interceptions, and 3,041 passing yards, guiding the Colts to a 7‑1 start before recent struggles. With Jones out, the Colts will rely on Leonard for the remainder of the season, facing a tough schedule that includes games at Seattle, versus San Francisco and Jacksonville, and at Houston in Week 18. The near‑playoff miss adds pressure to an already challenging finish.
Key Takeaways
- Daniel Jones ruptures his Achilles, ending his bounce‑back season.
- Riley Leonard steps in as the only healthy quarterback.
- Colts face a difficult finish with a 7‑1 start and a tough schedule ahead.
The injury not only sidelines a key player but also shifts the Colts’ trajectory in a division race that now favors the Jaguars. The team will need to rally around Leonard and adjust its offensive strategy as it navigates the final stretch of the season.
