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AFC South

Indianapolis Colts

0-0Power Rank#220

AI Summary

The Colts enter 2026 trying to prove last season's collapse was an aberration after an 8-2 start unraveled into a seven-game losing streak once QB Daniel Jones tore his Achilles on Dec. 7. Jones, re-signed to a two-year, $88 million deal, heads into camp as the unquestioned starter, while Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard compete for the QB2 job behind him. Indianapolis doubled down on its win-now approach by extending RB Jonathan Taylor and building around CB Sauce Gardner, acquired at the 2025 deadline for two first-round picks, even as it shipped longtime WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh. Oddsmakers have installed the Colts as modest AFC South favorites with a 7.5-win total, reflecting real optimism tempered by lingering uncertainty over Jones' health and a retooled receiver corps.

Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026

Key Storylines

  • QB Daniel Jones, signed to a 2-year/$88M deal, is the unquestioned starter after tearing his Achilles on Dec. 7, 2025
  • Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard are competing for the QB2 job; Richardson is still working through vision limitations from a freak pregame injury in Week 6 of 2025
  • WR Alec Pierce is ticketed for the No. 1 receiver role after Indianapolis traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh, but an offseason ankle injury has limited his camp reps
  • RB Jonathan Taylor signed a reported 2-year/$44M extension in August 2026 after the team's 8-2 start collapsed into a season-ending 7-game losing streak
  • CB Sauce Gardner, acquired from the Jets at the 2025 trade deadline for two first-round picks and WR Adonai Mitchell, anchors a retooled secondary alongside Charvarius Ward and Kenny Moore

Injury Report

  • Alec Pierce · WR

    Limited

    An offseason ankle injury has limited the presumptive No. 1 receiver for much of training camp.

  • DeForest Buckner · DL

    Ramping Up

    Working back gradually after neck surgery that cost him significant time in 2025.

  • Charvarius Ward · CB

    Out

    Back injury kept him from traveling for the preseason opener at New England.

  • DJ Giddens · RB

    Out

    Lingering hamstring injury following the preseason opener.

  • CJ Allen · LB

    Out

    Rookie linebacker's camp has been interrupted by two separate hamstring injuries.

  • Luke Tenuta · OL

    Out

    Knee injury suffered in the preseason opener against New England.