Serious Daniel Jones injury could have major implications for Jets draft position

The Colts have a big problem.

Justin Fried

Daniel Jones / David Eulitt/GettyImages

The Indianapolis Colts may be facing a much bigger problem than they’re letting on, and the New York Jets might be the team that stands to benefit from it the most.

Quarterback Daniel Jones is reportedly playing through a fractured fibula, per NFL Network, which is typically an injury serious enough to derail any player's season.

However, despite the diagnosis, Jones practiced fully this week and is expected to play Sunday, even after a viral video showed him visibly limping and struggling to move naturally.

The Colts are 8–3 atop the AFC South entering Week 13, but their playoff spot is anything but secure in a crowded AFC field. The 7-4 Jacksonville Jaguars still play Indianapolis twice, the lowly Tennessee Titans twice, and, of course, the Jets, leaving the door wide open in the division.

And with the Jets holding Indianapolis’ 2026 first-round pick, the stakes for Jones’ health suddenly matter a whole lot in Florham Park. That pick is currently projected at No. 28 overall, but if Jones continues to struggle, the Colts could slip quickly.

Daniel Jones injury could provide a boost to the Jets' draft position

It's fair to wonder if Jones' injury has already started to affect his on-field performance. Over his last three games, Jones has thrown four touchdowns and four interceptions after posting 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions over his first eight starts. Even more alarming is that he’s fumbled six times in the last three weeks alone.

The Colts' offense has looked noticeably less explosive, and Jones’ timing, confidence, and mobility have all appeared compromised to an extent. Now we know why.

A fractured fibula, even a “manageable” one, dramatically limits a quarterback’s mobility and could alter his throwing motion. Playing through it almost always leads to reduced movement, shorter throws, and higher turnover risk.

Just take a look at Jones move in this recent video from Colts practice. Save you a click — it doesn't look pretty.

The Jets own the Colts’ 2026 first-round pick, a pick currently projected 28th, thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade. If the Colts fall out of the playoff picture entirely, that selection could shoot into the teens, or even higher, depending on how far they drop.

Daniel Jones deserves credit for his toughness, but there’s no question this injury changes the outlook for Indianapolis. And in turn, it may significantly affect the Jets’ 2026 draft future.

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.