Whether they want to say it publicly or not, the Indianapolis Colts are staring at a real issue, one that the New York Jets could ultimately benefit from.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has been dealing with a fractured fibula.
#Colts QB Daniel Jones, who has been dealing with a lower leg injury, suffered a fracture in his fibula, sources say.
Jones was a full participant today and one source said, “He looked good.” Jones will continue to try to play through it. Toughness never questioned. pic.twitter.com/86pfA5AdTN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2025
Even on the mild end of the spectrum, a fibula fracture is the kind of setback that almost always limits a quarterback’s mobility, timing, and overall effectiveness. The question now is how much it will change the Colts’ season.
While Rapoport noted that Jones was a full participant in practice and is expected to play Sunday, he hardly looked the part. He moved with a noticeable limp during the session, carrying himself like a quarterback who clearly isn’t close to full strength.
Questions are beginning to surface about whether Jones is already feeling the effects of his injury. His drop-off recently has been hard to ignore. After opening the year with 13 touchdowns against four interceptions across his first eight outings, he’s matched that interception total over just the last three games while tossing only four TDs. The ball security issues have been even more glaring: six fumbles in that same span, a stretch that’s produced only one win for Indianapolis.
Jones’ health could significantly impact Gang Green’s draft positioning. In the blockbuster Sauce Gardner trade, New York acquired Indianapolis’ first-round pick in 2026.
At 8-3, the Colts sit in a strong position atop the AFC South. The draft pick they owe the Jets is projected to land near the bottom of the first round, slotted at No. 28 in the order (pending playoff results).
But that record comes with an asterisk. With Jones battling a significant lower-body issue and his struggles in recent weeks, nothing about Indianapolis’ postseason path, or even their shot at a winning season, is guaranteed. Their grasp on the division lead is far from tight.
The schedule offers no favors. The Colts face the 6-5 division-rival Houston Texans twice, starting Sunday, with Houston fresh off an upset of Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. They also draw two matchups with the 7-4 division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, a trip to face the 8-3 Seattle Seahawks, and a home matchup against the 8-4 San Francisco 49ers.
The Colts’ closing stretch could swing the Jets’ draft outlook in a big way, and Jones’ health might end up being the deciding factor.