The Indianapolis Colts are counting on Daniel Jones to pick up where he left off before a torn Achilles ended his breakout 2025 season.
But a certain national outlet believes that expectation will pile pressure on the veteran quarterback.
CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles named Jones the Colts’ player on the “hot seat” entering the 2026 season as part of an exercise identifying one player or coach from every NFL team with the most to prove.
Jones has made an abundance of progress since tearing his Achilles late last season. He has participated throughout training camp, with Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox telling the team website earlier this month that Jones “looks like he never got hurt.”
Still, CBS Sports pointed to how much Jones’ mobility factors into Shane Steichen’s offense. Jones routinely operated on rollouts, run-pass options and under-center concepts during his strong 2025 campaign, creating a big test for a quarterback returning from a mobility-dampening injury.
Jones completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions across 13 starts last season, posting career highs in completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating. The Colts re-signed him in March after initially placing the transition tag on him.
CBS Sports also highlighted the stakes surrounding Jones’ contract. His two-year, $88 million deal gives Indianapolis an avenue to move on after the 2026 season, according to Pereles.
So in the end, this new season brings a momentous evaluation point for Jones, even after his quality work as the Colts’ starter a year ago.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts QB Daniel Jones named player on ‘hot seat’ entering 2026