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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones shared a statement on his season-ending Achilles injury on his Instagram account Thursday (December 11).
"Thank you to my teammates, coaches, the Colts organization, and all the fans for the overwhelming support," Jones wrote. "Tough way to end this season but it has been an honor to wear the horseshoe and play for Colts fans. I’ll miss lining up with my guys, but I’ll be riding with them every step of the way. Go Colts!"
Jones signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts last offseason in the middle of a career renaissance prior to his injury, having led Indianapolis to an 8-5 record in 13 starts while throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 261 of 384 passing.
Jones suffered the injury on a non-contact play while dropping back to pass late in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, appearing to lose his footing while throwing the football. The veteran quarterback fell to the wet turf and was seen growing his right lower leg, showing visible frustration by slamming his helmet multiple times before being helped to his feet and walked off the field.
The Colts signed previously retired quarterback Philip Rivers, 44, following Jones' season ending injury, with backup Anthony Richardson Sr. on injured reserve. Rivers spent his final NFL season in Indianapolis in 2020 after 16 with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, reuniting with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who worked on the Chargers' staff from 2014-2020, which included stints as Rivers' quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator.
The former N.C. State standout is the Chargers' all-time leader in passing yards (59,271), passing touchdowns (397) and quarterback wins (123).