Daniel Jones has been cleared for full participation at Indianapolis Colts’ training camp, completing a seven-month recovery from the torn Achilles that abruptly ended his breakthrough 2025 season.

Jones is expected to take part in 11-on-11 work when Indianapolis holds its opening practice at Grand Park, restoring its starting quarterback in time for a complete summer preparation rather than a managed return closer to the regular season. The speed of his recovery may be striking outside the building, but those who watched Jones work through the offseason appear considerably less surprised.

“We were in Florida a couple weeks ago throwing, and I actually forgot he had gotten injured,” receiver Josh Downs said during the Colts’ report day availability. “He looked so good out there.”

Jones tore his right Achilles during the first quarter of Indianapolis’ Week 14 defeat to Jacksonville on December 7th, abruptly ending a season in which he had thrown for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns through 13 starts, adding another five scores on the ground. Beyond those individual totals, the Colts averaged an NFL-leading 32.1 points per game through Week 11 before injuries accumulated and their season unravelled.

Jones’ absence — and that of back-up Anthony Richardson — eventually led Indianapolis to bring 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement as they attempted to remain in contention, but the franchise subsequently retained Jones on a new contract in March, committing to the progress he had made after arriving as a free agent and winning the starting job from Richardson the previous summer. The remaining uncertainty concerned the timeline of when he could resume the full physical demands of the position. Jones participated in seven-on-seven drills towards the end of the offseason programme, but the absence of a pass rush did not test his ability to move within a crowded pocket or protect himself when a play breaks down. Those elements will now become the focus of camp.

Jones’ effectiveness in 2025 was supported by his mobility, whether extending a passing play or contributing near the goal line. Now that official clearance permits him to practice, the coming weeks will establish how completely that part of his game has returned.

“That gets you fired up — we’re excited as an offensive line and as a whole team,” tackle Bernhard Raimann said, having witnessed much of the work that made Jones’ accelerated timetable possible. “We’re excited to have him out there and lead the offense the way he did last year. We all love the guy. We love playing with him and spending time with him.

“Most people leave town and do whatever, but he was there doing the dirty work every single morning and he’s the first one in the training room. It’s great seeing how he never gave up or took it easy. I knew he was going to do everything he could to be ready, and I think it shows his character and how much he cares.”

Jones’ return also clarifies the structure of the Colts’ quarterback competition and, with the starting position no longer available, Richardson and Riley Leonard will compete for the backup role. Richardson’s trade request remains active, although general manager Chris Ballard has made clear Indianapolis will not move the former fourth overall pick simply to resolve the situation. Leonard, meanwhile, gained meaningful experience after Jones was injured and has continued to earn favourable reviews inside the organisation.