Daniel Jones Needs Season-Ending Achilles Surgery

Dynasty Impact

The timing of Jones' injury leaves him just about nine months to get ready for the start of the 2026 season. Achilles tend to take 9-12 months of rehab, although QBs can often return quicker than skill-position players.

Most recently, QB Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles on October 29, 2023 and was cleared for the start of training camp about nine months later. He started Week 1.

Jones' situation is complicated by the fact that he's due to hit free agency. The Achilles injury will significantly impact his market. We'd expect him to settle for a short, potentially one-year prove-it deal. Returning to Indianapolis makes the most sense.

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

With Jones out and QB Anthony Richardson still on IR with his eye injury, it'll be QB Riley Leonard under center for the Colts for at least Week 15 and probably beyond.

Leonard went in the sixth round of this spring's draft after an underwhelming college career. He completed just 62% of his passes at 7.2 yards per attempt across three seasons at Duke. He transferred to Notre Dame last year and posted a career-best 66.7% completion rate. But Leonard averaged just 7.1 yards per attempt and ranked 48th among 128 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus passing grade.

Leonard isn't an elite athlete but adds some value with his legs. He totaled 2,370 rushing yards across his four college seasons, including 982 last year.

Leonard didn't embarrass himself in relief of QB Daniel Jones in Jacksonville. He completed 18 of 29 passes (62%) for 145 yards (5.0 YPA), 0 TDs, and 1 INT. But he had two TDs called back -- one by a penalty and one after replay review. Leonard also ran twice for five yards and a TD.

Still, Leonard will only be an option in 2-QB and Superflex fantasy leagues. And he projects as a big downgrade for the Colts offense.

His first start comes Sunday in a brutal spot in Seattle.