As all Indianapolis Colts fans know, the team missed the playoffs again in 2025. Not since 2020 has Indy made the postseason. That empty stretch was made more brutal by the team beginning 7-1 this season, and still ultimately failing.
There were many reasons for what happened in the second half of the season. The schedule got much tougher, injuries to key players took a heavy toll, and a lack of efficiency on both sides of the ball. But the team had talent, and it will again next season, too.
That is one reason NFL Spin Zone's Lou Scataglia believes Indy could run things back this offseason, and still make the playoffs. Quarterback Daniel Jones needs to be re-signed, but otherwise, enough good players return for 2026 that Indy should be a dangerous team.
NFL analyst says what all Indianapolis Colts hope for in 2026
Scataglia wrote, "The Indianapolis Colts were 7-1on the season, and this team was well on its way to a playoff berth and a likely AFC South title, but Daniel Jones obviously tore his Achilles. When you look at the Colts' situation, neither they nor Jones have much of an option outside of just running it back, and that isn't a bad thing at all."
That last part should make Indy fans most hopeful. The truth is that before Jones broke his fibula (and later, tore his Achilles tendon), the offense was humming because the quarterback could pick up yards with his legs as well as complete a high percentage of his passes. Jones' mobility was what was missed most after he broke his leg.
The biggest question, even after potentially re-signing Jones, is how quickly he can return to play and whether his ability to run will be diminished. An Achilles tendon tear can take a full year to recover from, but one prognosis has Jones being able to play in Week 1 of 2026.
If that happens, look out. Even if the Colts cannot hang on to free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce, Indianapolis has a good group of wide receivers. The offensive line should be set even if Jalen Travis replaces Braden Smith at right tackle.
The defense suffered so many cornerback injuries that it was difficult to imagine how good the unit could be. The edge rush group needs several upgrades, and the off-ball linebacker coverage has to be better, but at times, such as in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, the unit was quite good.
The hope is that Lou Scataglia is correct and the roster that general manager Chris Ballard will have put together for 2026 will be able to potentially overcome the loss of Pierce and Smith. The Indianapolis Colts deserve a break in 2026 health-wise, and that might be good enough to finally get Indy back to the postseason.