There is increasing apprehension regarding the health of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, as recent developments indicate he may be more injured than the team has disclosed.
After being added to the injury report last week due to a fibula issue, Jones initially appeared to recover quickly, participating fully in practice the following day. However, his status has once again been called into question this week, as he was only a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, indicating a decline in his health compared to last week.
Concerns were echoed by beat writers covering the Colts, including James Boyd from The Athletic, who observed that Jones’s performance during practice lacks the usual fluidity and speed, likely a result of his ongoing fibula injury. Boyd noted that Jones’s participation in practice was limited, raising doubts about his readiness for the upcoming game.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder also shared his apprehensions. He suggested that the Colts might be downplaying the severity of Jones’s injury, which appears to restrict his mobility and effectiveness during practice.
The Colts are facing a challenging situation. While they should prioritize Jones’s health and consider resting him to prevent exacerbating the injury, they are also contending with strong competition in the AFC South from the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans. Should Jones be unable to play, the team might need to rely on either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Brett Rypien, both of whom would represent significant downgrades at the quarterback position.
Jones’s condition will be closely monitored as the week progresses, especially leading into Sunday’s game. One impactful hit could worsen his injury, underscoring the urgency for the Colts to make careful decisions regarding their starting quarterback. The situation highlights the balancing act teams face between immediate competitive needs and the long-term health of their players.