New Information on Daniel Jones’ Injury Confirms Fears and Could Sink the Colts' Season
“It’s a nightmare scenario for the Colts—Daniel Jones is battling through a fractured fibula, and his injury could be the turning point that derails their playoff hopes.”
In a shocking revelation that confirms many fans' worst fears, it’s been reported that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is dealing with a fractured fibula. While the Colts initially downplayed the severity of his injury, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed yesterday that Jones has been playing through the injury, notably in last week’s crucial game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite the pain, Jones is expected to take the field again this week against the Houston Texans.
This injury, which could severely hinder Jones’ mobility, is a huge blow for the Colts. With so much on the line in the AFC South and the playoff race, the timing couldn’t be worse. Jones has already played through this injury for several weeks, but his ability to continue playing at a high level is in serious doubt. The Colts can’t afford to lose their starting quarterback, and if the injury worsens or forces him to miss time, it could quickly sink what has otherwise been a strong season for Indianapolis.
Daniel Jones: “I’m doing everything I can to push through it. I know how much this team relies on me, and I’m not going to let this injury stop me. I’m taking it day by day, but I’m going to give everything I’ve got to help this team stay in the playoff hunt.”
– Daniel Jones, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
Jones has been a revelation for the Colts this year, exceeding expectations in nearly every aspect of his game. He’s thrown for 2,840 yards with 17 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns, ranking fourth in the NFL in yards per game among quarterbacks who have started at least three games. His performance has been crucial to the Colts' success this season, but with him playing through such a significant injury, the future looks uncertain.
However, the Colts’ backup options are far from ideal. With rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson still on injured reserve due to an orbital fracture, Indianapolis is left with sixth-round pick Riley Leonard as the next man up. Leonard, who has yet to prove himself in an NFL game, is not someone fans or coaches are excited to rely on in a playoff race. If Jones were to miss significant time, it would put immense pressure on the entire team to step up, particularly in the passing game.
Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen: “We know what Daniel brings to the table, and he’s been fighting through this injury for weeks. We’re trusting him to keep leading us, but we have to be prepared for whatever happens. If we need to turn to Riley, we’re going to rally behind him. We’re a team, and we’ll find a way to adapt.”
– Shane Steichen, Head Coach, Indianapolis Colts
Even though Jonathan Taylor has been playing at an elite level, the Colts could face a major problem if teams begin stacking the box to stop him. This was evident in the Colts' Week 12 loss to the Chiefs, where the lack of a reliable passing attack left the team vulnerable. Without a proven quarterback like Jones under center, opposing defenses will likely focus on neutralizing Taylor and forcing the Colts to beat them through the air. That’s a scenario where the Colts’ offense could struggle, especially with Leonard stepping in.
The season is quickly becoming a do-or-die situation for Indianapolis. If Jones cannot play at his usual level or misses time due to this injury, the Colts’ playoff hopes could be on life support. The team will need a quick solution, either from Jones playing through the injury or finding an unexpected spark from their backup quarterbacks. The stakes have never been higher, and the next few weeks could decide whether the Colts’ season continues or falls apart.
Red Sox Hypothetical Jarren Duran Blockbuster Worth Exploring
Sep 19, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran (16) is congratulated after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason to this point.
Most recently, Kansas City Royals beat reporter Anne Rogers of MLB.com reported that Boston's current asking price is "too high" for the Royals, but that they thought the Royals could make a play for him.
If you like our content, choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google.
"I think they can," Rogers wrote when asked about Duran. "I've heard that right now, the price the Red Sox are asking for is too high for the Royals to feel comfortable about it. But we'll see how that shifts throughout the winter. The two teams match up on paper. The Royals want an outfielder who can add to their offense, which the Red Sox have in Duran or Wilyer Abreu. Boston wants Major League-ready starting pitching. The Royals have that."
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter pitched a mock trade that arguably would work for Boston.
"To KC: OF Jarren Duran," Reuter wrote. "It's no secret the Royals need offensive help after finishing 26th in the majors with 651 runs scored, and the outfield is far and away the most obvious area for a potential impact addition....To BOS: LHP Kris Bubic, C Carter Jensen. With an abundance of outfield talent, there is a high likelihood one of Duran or Wilyer Abreu is traded this offseason, and flipping them for pitching talent is the logical move.
"With the Red Sox in win-now mode, they could prioritize MLB talent over prospects, and 2025 All-Star Kris Bubic would be a welcome addition to a staff that has already added Sonny Gray. A rotator cuff strain cut his breakout season short, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day. Since Bubic is only controllable for one more year, it will take more than just a one-for-one swap, and catcher Carter Jensen could bridge the gap as a MLB-ready bat who had a .941 OPS with three home runs and 13 RBI in 69 plate appearances as a September call-up."
Jensen is a 22-year-old catcher with 20 games of big league experience. Over that stretch, he slashed .300/.391/.550 with three homers and 13 RBIs last season. In the minors he slashed .290/.377/.501 with 20 homers and 76 RBIs in 111 games. He would be a cost-controlled, long-term fit to pair with Carlos Narváez.
Bubic is 28 years old and was an All-Star in 2025. The lefty had a 2.55 ERA in 20 starts for the Royals. If you add that sort of production to a rotation that already has Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, and Sonny Gray, Boston would be cooking.
Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to return to lineup on Saturday vs. Kraken
For the first time this season, the Edmonton Oilers will have all of their top-four forwards in the lineup, as center
Nugent-Hopkins has missed the last nine games with a head injury that he sustained during the Oilers’ 9-1 blowout loss to the
Nugent-Hopkins is expected to slot into the lineup centering the third line with Adam Henrique and Mattias Janmark. This trio hasn’t spent a lot of time together in their careers, as they haven’t been a combination this season, and only played together for two minutes total since Henrique, the most-recently acquired of the three, has joined the Oilers.
Nugent-Hopkins will also return to his spot on the bumper of the Oilers top power-play unit with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman. He will also skate on Edmonton’s second penalty-kill unit with McDavid.
Nugent-Hopkins has produced at his best rate in a few years when he’s been healthy, as he has five goals and 11 assists for 16 points in 16 games. It’s put him on pace for 73 points, which would be the second-highest total of his career after his 104-point season in 2022-23.
With Nugent-Hopkins entering the lineup, it looks like David Tomasek will be a healthy scratch for the Oilers. Tomasek has two goals and two assists for four points in 18 games in his debut NHL season.
The Oilers will look to break a slump of four losses in five games when they visit the Kraken on Saturday at 2 p.m. MST. Edmonton currently sits in sixth in the Pacific Division with a 10-10-5 record, and are two points behind the
