ESPN’s Ben Solak just dropped a bomb on the Indianapolis Colts’ 2026 season, straight up saying he doesn’t see them getting back to their 2025 first-half form. What’s the deal? A massive question mark over starting quarterback Daniel Jones’ health and a bunch of key veterans hitting the road. This isn’t just a tough break, it’s a huge cloud hanging over their entire year.
The Achilles Reality Check for Jones
Let’s be real, expecting Jones to repeat any past success is tough enough, but then you slap a torn Achilles on top of it? Forget about it. The guy relies on his mobility to make plays, and he tore that Achilles late in Week 14 last year. Seriously, it’d be “realistically surprising” if he’s back to full strength in such a short amount of time. Even with encouraging rehab results, 2026 could easily be a “redshirt year” for him. And get this: the Colts re-signed him to a two-year extension worth up to a whopping $100 million in earned incentives. That’s a lot of cash for a guy whose immediate future on the field is so uncertain. Is that “redshirt year” built into the deal? You have to wonder, right?
Out with the Old, In with the… Unproven?
Jones’ health is a huge piece of the puzzle, but the Colts also saw a ton of other guys walk. On the offensive line, Braden Smith departed. Then there’s wideout Michael Pittman Jr., a key weapon who did all the “little things” to keep the offense moving. On defense, veterans Nick Scott and Zaire Franklin are gone, leaving Day 2 rookies A.J. Haulcy and CJ Allen to fill some serious shoes.
Now, Solak thinks all these departures are a major issue, and maybe he’s right on the overall conclusion. But honestly, outside of Pittman Jr., some of those changes might not be as bad as they look. I mean, Zaire Franklin’s play had fallen off and he didn’t seem like a natural fit in Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme. And Braden Smith’s durability was a huge concern at his price tag. The Colts needed to get younger and more cost-controllable. Rookie CJ Allen might not be a huge drop-off in production from Franklin, and 2nd-year tackle Jalen Travis could step up for Smith. Sure, they might lose a bit in experience and veteran leadership, but a natural fit like rookie safety A.J. Haulcy in Anarumo’s scheme could bring more pass coverage consistency.
So yeah, Ben Solak might be right that the Colts won’t bounce back, but the *reasons* might be a little different than just “lost veterans.” Either way, the stakes are high, and all eyes will be on how Daniel Jones’ recovery progresses and if these young Colts can actually step up. This team has a lot to prove, and it’s going to be a wild ride watching it unfold.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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