The devastating cost of Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury

It seemed all for Daniel Jones’ taking this NFL season.

After being cut by the Giants and a brief stint with the Vikings’ practice squad, the quarterback found his home in Indianapolis and led one of the hottest NFL teams to a big 7-1 start to the year.

It all came crashing down on Sunday when Jones collapsed on the field with a season-ending non-contact Achilles injury during the first half of the Colts’ 36-19 loss to the Jaguars.

Jones’ reaction — slamming his helmet on the ground in frustration as trainers loomed over him — said it all, about how much was at stake for the team and for his future. The timing couldn’t be worse.

“Anytime you lose a guy that puts in so much work and so much effort and is always there for his team and showing up with a fibula injury and goes out there and friggin’ plays, just so much respect for him,’’ coach Shane Steichen said after Sunday’s game. “Just so much respect.’’

Jones, who signed a one-year deal with the Colts, has been in talks to receive his second huge payday in a contract extension. Through eight games, he led one of the league’s best offenses, averaging six more points than any other team while putting out 6.5 yards per play.

The No. 6 overall pick in 2019 was seemingly the Colts’ answer to their ongoing quarterback question; however, now there are more questions than answers.

Jones is set to become a free agent following this season and can expect to be recovering from his injury for around a year. The Colts could take the risky path and sign Jones to a reduced deal, but they also could move on to try to find another solution.

It’s clear that Jones’ influence within the team is something that will be difficult to replace.

“That’s our team leader,” receiver Alec Pierce said. “That’s our team captain right there. Everything runs through him. That was brutal.”

The Colts could also continue down a downward spiral and finish with another lost season.

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Before Jones’ injury, the Colts (8-5) lost three straight games, and after their AFC South first-place showdown on Sunday, the Jaguars (9-4) sit atop the division as Indianapolis inches closer to the wild-card standings.

Now, they have to put their faith in rookie Riley Leonard under center as backup Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve with an orbital fracture.

Without Jones, the spotlight will continue to grow on Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, who were both already in question after a 8-9 season in 2024. Late owner Jim Irsay, who died in May at 65, vowed to give the duo a last chance this season.

Jones’ injury could lead to a whole undoing in Indianapolis despite their hot start.