Colts not ready to bench Daniel Jones just yet

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Colts not ready to bench Daniel Jones just yet

Originally posted on NFL on ClutchPoints
By Julian Ojeda, ClutchPoints | Last updated Oct 31, 2026 12:00 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts reportedly have not discussed benching veteran quarterback Daniel Jones despite his struggles through the first seven games of the 2026 NFL season, as the organization continues its roster overhaul ahead of the trade deadline.

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero revealed Saturday morning that Indianapolis remains committed to Jones as its starting quarterback for the time being, although his contract could influence the organization’s decision later in the season.

“The Colts haven’t discussed benching QB Daniel Jones, who is still working back from a torn Achilles and has been playing with depleted weapons. But a $10.51 million 2027 injury guarantee could become a factor if and when Indy is out of playoff contention.”

Jones, 29, has struggled in his second season with Indianapolis, completing a career-low 59.6% of his passes for 1,398 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions through seven games.

The veteran quarterback has also taken 19 sacks while recording career lows in passer rating (69.4) and quarterback rating (40.4).

His production on the ground has similarly declined, totaling 68 rushing yards and one touchdown on 21 carries. Jones is averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per rushing attempt.

However, his recovery from a torn Achilles and the Colts’ depleted offensive personnel have complicated the evaluation of his performance.

Indianapolis enters its Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 2-5 record, having lost three consecutive games.

Colts’ fire sale raises questions about Daniel Jones’ future

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Colts’ decision to retain Jones as their starter comes amid a significant roster shakeup that has seen the organization move several established veterans in exchange for future draft capital.

Indianapolis traded All-Pro offensive guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this week for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection.

The organization also sent three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Meanwhile, star running back Jonathan Taylor has emerged as another potential trade candidate after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Indianapolis is open to moving him.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero subsequently reported that the Colts had already rejected an offer involving a 2027 second-round pick and additional compensation for Taylor.

Although Taylor remains expected to play Sunday, the organization’s willingness to entertain offers for its franchise running back signals a potential shift toward rebuilding.

That approach could eventually affect Jones, particularly if Indianapolis falls further out of postseason contention.

His $10.51 million injury guarantee for 2027 could give the Colts a financial incentive to reconsider his playing status later in the season, although no such decision has been made.

For now, Jones remains Indianapolis’ starting quarterback as the Colts attempt to end their three-game losing streak against the Jaguars (4-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: