With Anthony Richardson nursing another injury this offseason, Daniel Jones has made up any ground in the battle for the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback spot.
Signed this offseason to put pressure on Richardson for the Colts' starting gig, Jones has taken advantage of the extra work, building a rapport with Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, rookie tight end Tyler Warren, et al.
"Very pleased with what we got right now," head coach Shane Steichen said Thursday, via CBS4 Indy. "He's been doing a hell of a job. Really smart football player. Learned the offense very quickly, making really good decisions out there through OTAs. Obviously, we want to carry that over to training camp, but he's done a really good job. Great command in the huddle. Ultimate pro."
After being released by the New York Giants during the season, Jones landed with the Minnesota Vikings as a backup behind Sam Darnold. The Vikings reportedly had some interest in re-signing him this offseason, but the QB inked a one-year, $14 million deal in Indy, which would give him a path to fight for the starting gig.
He chose wisely.
While much of the attention has been on Richardson's shoulder injury, Jones has continued to learn the offense and focus on what he can control on the field.
"I think it's like you would in any situation," he said Thursday. "Just learning this offense and getting used to it. So, I'm trying to focus as much on that and then playing good football when I'm on the practice field."
Part of the reason the Colts needed to find another veteran option this offseason was Richardson's inability to stay healthy. The 2023 first-round pick has played 15 games in two seasons in Indy. While Steichen has downplayed the issue, suggesting the QB will be ready for training camp next month, that he couldn't get to Flag Day without suffering another shoulder issue isn't a good sign for the young passer.
If the injury situation isn't sorted out by training camp in July or rears its head again, Jones could run away with the Week 1 starting gig in Indy.
