Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was cleared to take part in 7-on-7 work at Monday’s OTA practice for the first time since tearing his Achilles last season. Head coach Shane Steichen praised the progress, while Jones said he expects to be ready for Week 1 agains
Monday’s OTA practice brought a clear shift for the Colts—Daniel Jones was back on the field for 7-on-7 work.
Jones. the team’s quarterback. took part in that format for the first time since he tore his Achilles last season. He had been doing individual work throughout the team’s offseason program. and head coach Shane Steichen made it clear the next step is about timing and caution as the offseason moves toward training camp.
“It’s just making those strides each and every week and to get him out there at seven-on-seven was huge. . . . We always want to be smart,” Steichen said via the team’s website. “It’s spring, we don’t play for a while, so we got to be smart with his injury. But he’s making great progress.”
The reason those reps matter is simple: Steichen’s plan is to increase Jones back into full team drills once the Colts reach training camp this summer. Until then, the goal is to keep building without forcing anything that could slow the recovery.
Jones, for his part, has been aiming at a specific target. Last week, he said he expects to be ready to play in Week 1 against the Ravens. With another milestone reached this week—progressing to 7-on-7 work—he’s moving closer to that timeline. and if he continues on that path. there is little reason to think he won’t be taking snaps on September 13.
Daniel Jones Indianapolis Colts OTA practice Shane Steichen Achilles injury 7-on-7 training camp Week 1 Baltimore Ravens September 13