Daniel Jones Expected to Play Sunday

In a development that sends a ripple of concern through the Colts’ fanbase, quarterback Daniel Jones is reportedly toughing it out through a fractured fibula. Despite the unnerving diagnosis, all signs point to him starting this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

While the Colts organization has remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying the fracture, Jones himself has been a full participant in practice since Thursday. This suggests the injury, while serious, is considered manageable by the team’s medical staff and the player himself.

Jones’ Status for Sunday’s Game

Despite the reports of a fractured fibula, Daniel Jones is expected to be under center for the Colts’ upcoming game. Head coach Shane Steichen, while not directly acknowledging the fracture rumors, offered a reassuring statement to the media: “We would never put (Jones) out there if we thought something could go wrong.”

This comment aims to quell any fears about rushing Daniel Jones back too soon. However, during an observable portion of practice, reporters noted that Jones appeared to have a slight limp, a visual cue that he’s not at 100 percent.

Jones himself admitted to reporters that he first noticed the issue last week, though he was unsure of the exact moment the injury occurred. “Tough to say exactly when it happened,” Jones said. “I’m all good. I’ll be ready to go on Sunday. Obviously, I was out there last week. I’m good to go.”

What This Means for Daniel Jones’ Future

This season has been a career renaissance for Daniel Jones. After winning the starting job over Anthony Richardson in training camp, the former Giants quarterback has put up career-high numbers, significantly boosting his market value. He’s currently playing on a one-year, $14 million “prove-it” deal, and his performance so far has positioned him for a substantial payday.

However, this injury comes at the worst possible time. The Colts are not expected to begin contract negotiations until the offseason, meaning his performance down the stretch will heavily influence his next contract. If the injury hampers his play, it could give the Colts leverage in negotiations or even make them reconsider a long-term commitment. A franchise tag remains a possibility, but that too would come at a much higher price than his current salary.

The coming weeks will be a major test for Jones and the Colts. His ability to play through pain and lead his team to victory could solidify his future in Indianapolis. But one wrong move could jeopardize not only the team’s postseason hopes but also the lucrative contract that seemed within his grasp.