Indiana Jones could be slated for a summer return.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months after undergoing surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles tendon on Tuesday in New York.
The timeline grants Jones the “ability to be fully cleared for the start of next summer’s training camp,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jones, 28, had been enjoying a resurgent season with the Colts, with whom he signed a one-year, $14 million deal in the offseason.
ESPN reported “the belief still is that Jones will play next year in Indianapolis,” even though he is entering the offseason as a free agent.
Indianapolis, Schefter said, should have an update on Jones’ recovery timetable by April.
The former Giants quarterback had thrown for 3,027 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games for the Colts.
Jones’ season ultimately came to an end during the team’s Week 14 loss to the Jaguars, when he fell to the ground, clutched his calf and slammed his helmet in a frustrated recognition of the brutal reality.
According to Schefter, both sides are expected to pursue a reunion, but they each have “significant decisions to make.”
Specifically, Jones’ revitalized stock could present him with opportunities elsewhere, while ballooning his price tag for the incumbent franchise.
The Colts could utilize the franchise tag on Jones for next season, which would likely be priced between $45 to $46 million — a mark that would triple his current salary.
In the meantime, Jones will focus on his rehab, and the Colts — once viewed as a legitimate Super Bowl contender — will attempt to salvage their season.
After losing four of its last five games, Indianapolis has fallen to 8–5 and now sits on the outside looking in on the seven-team AFC playoff bracket with three games to go.
With a completely gutted quarterback room, the Colts will turn to formerly retired, 44-year-old signal caller Phillip Rivers as they head to Seattle for a Sunday matchup against the 10–3 Seahawks.
