Overview
- Jones posted a message Thursday thanking teammates, coaches, the organization and fans after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury.
- He tore his right Achilles on Dec. 7 after weeks of playing through a reported fractured fibula; multiple outlets report he underwent surgery and faces an estimated nine-month rehabilitation.
- Indianapolis added Philip Rivers and is pairing him with rookie Riley Leonard for the stretch run while Anthony Richardson remains unavailable, with reporting indicating the team is preparing Rivers to start this week.
- Players and coaches lauded Jones’ toughness and leadership, with DeForest Buckner and Shane Steichen offering strong praise and Michael Pittman Jr. saying he supports bringing Jones back in 2026.
- On a one-year deal set to expire after the season, Jones’ injury clouds his market as coverage outlines options that include an incentive-heavy short-term pact, a possible franchise tag and speculative trade targets such as Mac Jones.