Colts hope the return of a productive offense will help end a 5-year playoff drought

PUBLISHED Sep 2, 2026, 12:27 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season seeking their first playoff berth since 2020, with quarterback Daniel Jones returning from an Achilles injury and a retooled defense supporting an offense that ranked among the NFL’s most productive early last season. Indianapolis finished 8-9 in 2025 after starting 8-2, then lost its final seven games as injuries mounted. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon retained general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen for 2026. Jones remains the starter, while Jonathan Taylor remains the offensive centerpiece after signing a two-year, $44 million extension. The Colts also added six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen and retained Alec Pierce, who returned from the physically unable-to-perform list in August. Indianapolis’ initial 53-man roster includes Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, Cam Bynum and DeForest Buckner. However, Allen’s recent Indianapolis arrest on misdemeanor impaired-driving charges adds a developing off-field issue this week. The Colts open against Baltimore on September 13.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes organizational accountability, injuries, and pressure surrounding management decisions. Center: Coverage emphasizes roster changes, performance, injuries, schedules, and uncertainty without advocacy. Right: Evidence insufficient to establish a distinct right-leaning framing in coverage.