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By Jordan Sigler
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On Nov. 9, the Indianapolis Colts looked like a lock to make the playoffs after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 31-25 in overtime to earn an 8-2 record.
Then the Colts didn't win another for the rest of the season.
Quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles on Dec. 7 in a 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen will enter the 2026 campaign on the hot seat. Steichen is 25-26 during his three years as head coach.
With numerous jobs hanging in the balance, Indianapolis made a risky decision to bring back Jones on a two-year deal with $88 million. Not only does Jones have a history of inconsistent play during his time with the New York Giants, but he's coming off a significant injury that could impact his play during the regular season.
Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Colts are expected to be a playoff team if Jones is healthy. Indianapolis is hopeful Jones will begin practicing in team drills at the beginning of training camp.
"Now, Jones is coming back off the Achilles injury with a new contract, and a good, balanced team that should be in the playoff hunt is counting on him," Breer wrote. "The good news is Jones met all his marks this spring. And, I’m told, if things keep going the way they have, he’ll start working in team drills at the start of camp, which is a good sign for where he is."
Having a healthy Jones ready for training camp would be a huge relief for Ballard and Steichen.
Before Jones' injury last year, Steichen appeared to get something out of Jones no other head coach had before, with the quarterback on pace for the best passing year of his career. He threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions through 13 starts before the Achilles injury.
In Year 2 of Steichen's system, Jones has a chance to be even better.
For more on the Colts and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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