Many might have doubted that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones would be back by Week 1. That would be nine months after he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 14 last season. He is already giving indications that his nearly miraculous return could happen quite quickly.
He took part in some drills at the beginning of organized team activities (OTAs) last week for Indy, and that included some plays on the move. He wasn't asked to do things as fast as his presumed backups, Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard, but he didn't need to. Just being on the field had to be uplifting for both his teammates and fans.
Jones is also not accepting any kind of discussion that he won't be back to start the season. While stopping short of guaranteeing he will return to play against the Baltimore Ravens to open the season, the quarterback came as close as possible to doing so.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is doing and saying all the right things
According to the Indianapolis Star, Jones said, "No, no, there’s not (any doubt to his Week 1 availability). I understand the process. You’ve got to hit all your marks, and I have a lot of trust and faith in the doctors and trainers we have and our PT staff, and I trust in myself to do the work and put myself in position to play. That’s been my goal all along."
There you have it. Jones has no doubts that he will play, and he simply needs not to suffer a setback and have the Colts' brain trust believe that he is ready to go without any chance of aggravating the injury. That he is already practicing in OTAs well ahead of training camp is going to help build that belief.
Indianapolis will likely be ready to have Jones come back when the quarterback says he wants to return. This is the same organization that allowed the quarterback to play on a broken fibula for a few weeks before he tore his Achilles, after all. Did one injury lead to the other? Fans have been told no.
General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen also understand they need to make the playoffs this season or potentially lose their jobs. Having Daniel Jones on the field gives them the best chance to make the postseason.
That means they could feel some pressure to have the quarterback on the field when the Indianapolis Colts open the season against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. Going a few weeks into the season without Jones could decimate the hopes of the team.
As for Daniel Jones, his ability to at least practice in a limited fashion is better than simply watching. His quick recovery may imply success next season, and that is all Colts fans really want.
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