Daniel Jones will remain the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback after the team’s embarrassing 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. While fans of the team are undoubtedly disappointed, there is reason to believe the decision will not mean much for the 2-6 Colts as the organization appears increasingly focused on its future rather than the remainder of the 2026 season.
After trading away two of its biggest stars, Indianapolis has entered what is quickly becoming a full-scale roster teardown. Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner were both dealt ahead of the NFL trade deadline, and there are growing indications that the Colts are not finished moving established players.
Jones’ performance against Jacksonville only added to the frustration surrounding the team. He completed 19 of 28 passes for 144 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. One of those interceptions was returned 92 yards for a touchdown, contributing to an afternoon that quickly got out of hand.
Head coach Shane Steichen initially declined to guarantee Jones would remain the starter, saying the organization would evaluate every position following the loss. However, reports on Monday indicated that Jones would keep the starting job heading into Indianapolis’ Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. That decision also keeps Anthony Richardson in a backup role, at least for another week.
Anthony Richardson Still Has Something To Prove
Richardson received his first regular-season playing time since October 2025 when he replaced Jones late against Jacksonville. The former fourth-overall pick completed both of his pass attempts for eight yards and added four rushing yards.
It was a limited opportunity, particularly considering the circumstances. Indianapolis was already trailing by 35 points, and there was little Richardson could accomplish in the closing minutes.
Still, his return creates another storyline for a franchise that has struggled to find consistency at quarterback. Richardson’s future in Indianapolis remains uncertain, especially with his contract situation approaching an important point. Giving him additional opportunities could help the organization determine whether he has a place in its long-term plans.
Colts Fire Sale Will Continue Before Trade Deadline
The Colts have already made two significant moves, sending Nelson and Buckner elsewhere as the franchise prepares for what could be an extended rebuild. At 2-6, there is little reason to believe Indianapolis can salvage its season without a dramatic turnaround.
Jonathan Taylor is now another name generating significant trade interest. Reports indicate Indianapolis is fielding offers for the All-Pro running back, with one report saying the Colts declined a deal that sent a 2nd-round pick plus more to the Colts.
Taylor is not the only offensive player whose future has become uncertain. Josh Downs has reportedly requested a trade, while Keenan Allen has also been mentioned in discussions surrounding potential roster moves.
The defensive side of the football could see additional departures as well. NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that Indianapolis could explore moving a cornerback, with Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward among the names worth monitoring.
With the November 10 trade deadline approaching, the Colts have just over a week to determine which players are worth keeping and which could bring valuable draft capital in return. The organization’s direction is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Trading away two cornerstone players in the same week is not the behavior of a team expecting to compete for a playoff spot.
End Of My Daniel Jones Rant
Keeping Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback does not necessarily signal a renewed commitment to competing this season. Instead, it could simply be the most practical decision while the franchise works through its current roster situation.
The Colts still have several games remaining, but their attention may already be shifting toward the offseason. Richardson could receive another opportunity later in the year, while additional veterans could be moved before the deadline.
For a fanbase that entered the season expecting a playoff contender, the current situation is difficult to accept. With that being said, Indianapolis appears to have reached a point where rebuilding its roster is more important than trying to save a season that has quickly slipped away.
The Daniel Jones decision might dominate the immediate conversation, but the bigger story will remain centered on what the Colts do with Jonathan Taylor. The Colts’ fire sale is not over yet, and the next several days will determine what this franchise looks like going forward.
