Colts Coach Shane Steichen Sticking With Daniel Jones After Another Rough Game

Prior to his Achilles injury last year, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was just the spark the team needed. Jones looked completely revitalized in 13 games with the team, nearly leading them to a postseason spot before his injury.

The same version of Jones hasn’t shown up in 2026. The 29-year-old turned in yet another disappointing performance in Week 7, tossing an interception on the potential game-winning drive to end the Colts’ comeback attempt against the Minnesota Vikings.

With the pick, Jones now has four touchdowns against seven interceptions in his first seven games.

That has, as one might expect, led to some questions about whether Jones deserves to continue starting for the Colts. On Monday, head coach Shane Steichen said he still has confidence in Jones turning things around, per Fox 59.

Jones will remain the team’s starter for now, Steichen told reporters. The coach, however, did admit that Jones “knows he’s got to play better.”

In a season full of rough games, Week 7 against the Vikings was Jones’ worst. The quarterback threw for just 108 yards in the loss, completing 59.1 percent of his passes.

His interception not only came at an inopportune time, but was bad enough to draw criticism from broadcaster Ross Tucker.

It was Jones’ fourth-straight game in which he completed under 60 percent of his passes. During that stretch, Jones has tossed just one touchdown against four interceptions.

After going 8-5 in his 13 starts last season, Jones has the Colts out to a 2-5 start. With the playoffs looking unlikely, there’s pressure on Indianapolis to make a change in time to salvage the season.

The Colts still have former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson on their roster, but seem hesitant to make that swap. Richardson hasn’t started a game since 2024, and seemingly fell out of favor with the organization after Jones was signed to an extension in March. Though trade rumors swirled around Richardson, the Colts opted to keep him around as a backup in 2026. He has yet to see the field despite Jones’ struggles.

The Colts may be forced to make some drastic decisions if things don’t turn around soon. With the team out to such a poor start, trade rumors have suggested the Colts could move on from some big-name players — like running back Jonathan Taylor.

If things go that route, it feels unlikely Jones will remain with the team much longer. While he signed an $88 million deal in March, Jones can easily be cut in the offseason with little penalty to the Colts.

Barring a massive turnaround, that may be the most likely outcome. The Colts thought they solved their quarterback woes after Jones’ breakout last season, but it looks like the franchise is already in need of a new quarterback just months after signing Jones to his extension.