Since being released from the team in November of 2024, it's been quite the ride for former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
The 2019 sixth overall pick turned Big Blue practice squad safety quickly landed with the Minnesota Vikings under QB guru and head coach Kevin O'Connell. The thought was he'd spend the final five weeks of the season learning from the guy who helped save Sam Darnold's career -- maybe the same thing could happen for the 28-year-old.
And boy, was he right. After landing with the Indianapolis Colts, the former Duke standout finally looked the part of a top-10 draft pick. However, it was relatively short-lived, as he unfortunately suffered a brutal non-contact injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14.
After the game, ESPN confirmed it was a worst-case scenario, reporting Jones had torn his Achilles and would undergo season-ending surgery:
Breaking: Colts QB Daniel Jones will undergo surgery for his torn Achilles, sources tell @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/aOgi5wjOTU
— ESPN (@espn) December 8, 2025
Daniel Jones’ redemption run cut short by brutal Week 14 injury
Danny Dimes bet on himself this past offseason and took his talents to the Indianapolis Colts. Unfazed by Anthony Richardson's loose grip on the starting job, now affectionately nicknamed Indiana Jones won the competition in training camp and never looked back.
After starting the season blistering hot at 7-1, things cooled down. With Sunday's loss to the Jags, the Colts are now 8-5 and no longer control their own destiny for the playoffs.
The injury comes at a terrible time for the seven-year pro. He's set to be a free agent at the end of the season and was in line for a pretty massive payday. He was staring down a contract that could’ve topped the four-year, $160 million deal the G-Men gave him back in 2023.
He's likely looking at a nine-month recovery period, which could allow him to start Week 1 next season if there aren't any setbacks. That could just be the silver lining through all of this. If he's expected to make a full recovery and is ready before next season, he could still receive a decent extension. If not, he could do another shorter-term deal, like the one he signed this past offseason.
Regardless, this is terrible. Sure, Danny Dimes didn't have the smoothest career in East Rutherford, but he didn't deserve this. In Year 1 with Indy, Jones started 12 games, throwing for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also added 160 yards and five scores with his legs.
Here's to a speedy and successful recovery.