Indianapolis Colts News

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) is currently recovering from offseason ankle surgery. However, the 26-year-old is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season after signing a four-year, $114 million contract with Indianapolis earlier this spring. Pierce put together the most productive season of his career in 2025, hauling in 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 84 targets across 15 games. While Pierce's ability to win down the field remains the best aspect of his profile, he averaged a career-high 5.6 targets per game last season. He'll also be asked to step into a true WR1 role with the Colts in 2026 following the team's trade of former wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Assuming Pierce makes it through his current ankle issue without any hiccups, his dynasty stock is rising after his promising 2025 campaign.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Friday that quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) could take part in 7-on-7 drills during organized team activities later this month, although the team will be cautious as he recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. With Jones being limited, it will open the door for second-year QB Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson Sr. to see more reps this spring. Jones continues to rehab from his season-ending injury a year ago, and it was reported several weeks ago that he was dropping back and throwing passes. Because it's unclear as of now if Jones will be fully cleared for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall, Jones should be considered a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers despite his strong season in 2025 in his first year in Indy. The 28-year-old former sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in 2019 out of Duke completed a career-high 68% of his 384 pass attempts for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in his 13 starts before tearing his Achilles in Week 14 against the Jaguars.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has the potential to bounce back as the overall RB1 in fantasy football during the 2026 season. Taylor was well on his way to the overall RB1 spot during the first half of last season. He ranked as the RB1 in PPR leagues from Week 1 to Week 10, and it wasn't particularly close; he was a full 25.1 points ahead of the RB2 during that span, Christian McCaffrey, and a full 89.9 points ahead of the RB4, Jahmyr Gibbs. Unfortunately, a slow second half (largely due to Daniel Jones' season-ending injury) derailed that trajectory. The good news is that Jones (Achilles) is trending toward playing in Week 1, and the Colts could also go a little more run-heavy after trading away Michael Pittman Jr. If Jones and Taylor can both stay healthy for the full year -- which is admittedly far from guaranteed -- then the 27-year-old could certainly be the highest-scoring running back and a league winner in redraft formats. There's a little less upside in dynasty leagues, though, given that Taylor is already 27 years old. Even if he does have a bounce-back year in 2026, he's almost certainly on the back half of his career. Most dynasty managers should hold Taylor for now. However, managers looking to win now in a championship window could consider trading for him this offseason, banking on the fact that last year's RB4 finishes even higher this year.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) reported for voluntary offseason workouts on Monday after he stayed home the last two weeks, a source told Stephen Holder of ESPN. Richardson, whose future is cloudy in Indy, at best, requested a trade this offseason. But the Colts seemingly aren't close to trading him and haven't indicated that they will release him, so the former fourth overall pick has reported to offseason workouts. The Colts unexpectedly declined Richardson's fifth-year option for the 2027 season after he played in just 17 games (15 starts) in his first three seasons in the NFL due to injuries and inconsistency at the QB position. Despite tearing his Achilles tendon late last season, Daniel Jones received a two-year contract extension from the Colts, cementing him as the team's starting QB going forward. Indy is also high on Riley Leonard, so if Richardson sticks around in 2026 in the final year of his rookie deal, he could enter the regular season as the QB3. Richardson's dynasty fantasy value is currently at rock bottom.

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens failed to carve out a consistent role in his team's offense as a rookie. Across nine games, the 22-year-old recorded 26 carries for 96 yards and failed to haul in a single reception out of the backfield. As long as superstar Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains healthy, Giddens has no path to fantasy-relevant playing time in Indianapolis. Giddens could carry some value as a handcuff option, as his primary competition for the Colts RB2 role is 2026 seventh-rounder Seth McGowan. Still, Giddens has done little to this point in his NFL career to inspire confidence that Indianapolis would feel comfortable handing him the reins should Taylor go down. Coming off his underwhelming rookie season, Giddens' dynasty stock is trending down heading into 2026.

The Indianapolis Colts added depth for their running back room by taking former Kentucky RB Seth McGowan in the seventh round (No. 237 overall) of this year's NFL draft. The 24-year-old comes with plenty of off-the-field questions and maturity issues, as he was dismissed from Oklahoma's program after he was arrested in 2021. The 5-foot-11, 211-pounder spent a year at New Mexico State before finishing his collegiate career with Kentucky in 2025, where he had 165 carries for 725 yards and a career-high 12 rushing touchdowns in 11 games. He also added 19 catches for 126 yards as a receiver. McGowan is going to need to put his character concerns in the past if he wants to stick around in the NFL as a power back out of the backfield. Going into his first season in the NFL in 2026, McGowan figures to compete with DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley for playing time in Indy's backfield behind Pro Bowl starter Jonathan Taylor. McGowan has plenty to prove before fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues use a roster spot on him.

Unsurprisingly, the Indianapolis Colts will not pick up the fifth-year option for quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., a source told Mike Chappell of FOX 59. The fifth-year option was considered a long shot for Richardson, who was selected fourth overall in 2023 out of the University of Florida. If the Colts had picked up Richardson's fifth-year option, he would have been guaranteed $22.483 million in 2027. The 23-year-old signal-caller has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his three years with the organization and has been benched twice. With the Colts signing Daniel Jones (Achilles) to a two-year extension this offseason, it's been made clear that Richardson is no longer the future in Indy, which is why he has requested a trade. The Colts are willing to deal Richardson at the right cost, but nothing has materialized yet. If A-Rich stays with the Colts, there's a chance he could open the 2026 season as the No. 3 behind Jones and Riley Leonard. His dynasty/keeper stock has reached rock bottom.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren converted 106 targets into 76 receptions, 817 yards, and four touchdowns as a rookie in 2025, and his opportunities could be even more bountiful in Year 2. The Colts have been shedding wide receivers since their mid-season trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner, in which they sent 2024 second-round pick Adonai Mitchell to the New York Jets. Shortly into the new league year, the team dealt Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers, and while they committed to Alec Pierce with a four-year, $114 million deal, Indianapolis has made no significant outside acquisitions through free agency or the draft. With Pittman gone, there is no player on the roster besides Warren who saw more than 84 targets last season, and the majority of passing work should now be divvied up between the trifecta of Warren, Pierce, and Josh Downs. Warren did see a significant decline in production following the season-ending Achilles injury suffered by Daniel Jones, so the quarterback situation in Indianapolis could hold significant weight in his ability to take the next step, but by all accounts, Jones is progressing well, and the team believes he will be ready for the start of the 2026 season. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE4, Warren is one of the few tight ends in the league in position to lead his team in targets and should remain a true fantasy difference-maker for the foreseeable future.

The Indianapolis Colts have selected Kentucky running back Seth McGowan with the 237th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Following stints with Oklahoma and New Mexico State, McGowan scored 12 rushing touchdowns in his lone season with the Wildcats. He profiles as an early-down, between-the-tackles runner who could struggle to find the field without a major injury in front of him. Jonathan Taylor was able to play in all 17 games in 2025, and the Colts spent a fifth-round pick on DJ Giddens in last year's draft, so without much of a receiving profile in his background, McGowan is unlikely to show up on many fantasy radars.

The Indianapolis Colts are targeting training camp for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner's (neck) return to the field after he had surgery on his neck in 2025, according to JJ Stankevitz of Colts.com. "He's in a really good spot," general manager Chris Ballard said. Buckner originally injured his neck in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he returned for just one game in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. As long as the 32-year-old veteran doesn't have any setbacks with his neck in training camp this summer, he should be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. Buckner is a former seventh overall pick in 2016 out of Oregon, and he's made three Pro Bowl teams while being named a first-team All-Pro once, so if he's fully healthy, he'll be a big part of Indy's defensive line. He had only four sacks in 10 games last year, but Buckner has racked up 71.5 sacks over 10 NFL seasons with the Giants and Colts.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had a bit of a down year in 2025, recording 58 receptions for 566 yards and four touchdowns on 88 targets across 16 games. The Colts' 2025 draft-day acquisition of tight end Tyler Warren and the emergence of wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) both limited Downs' role in his team's offense. After averaging 7.6 targets per game in 2024, Downs averaged just 5.5 targets per game in 2025. While Warren and Pierce both remain in Indianapolis, the Colts traded away veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr., who earned 111 targets last season. In Pittman Jr.'s absence, Downs should be in a position to play a more prominent role in the Indianapolis passing game. If the Colts do not add another big-name pass-catcher in the upcoming NFL Draft, Downs' dynasty value will almost certainly be on the rise. As such, now could be the best time for dynasty managers to buy low on Downs ahead of a possible bounce-back season.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told the media on Tuesday that quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) is "dropping back and throwing" as he recovers from a torn Achilles that he suffered in the Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. General manager Chris Ballard said on Monday in a pre-draft news conference that Jones is "progressing really well." Despite the 28-year-old's torn Achilles, the Colts doubled down on him as their starting QB this offseason by signing him to a two-year, $88 million deal to bring him back for the next two seasons. The former sixth overall pick of the New York Giants in 2019 out of Duke looked great in his 13 starts in his first year in Indy in 2025 before going down with his Achilles injury, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. There is optimism that he'll be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, although fantasy managers should be viewing him as a risk/reward QB2 in drafts this fall.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) was not present on Monday for the first day of the team's offseason workouts in Indianapolis, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Richardson's future with the organization is extremely cloudy after another injury-plagued season, so much so that he publicly requested a trade earlier this offseason. The Colts are committed to QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) for at least the next two seasons. Still, Ballard said late last month that the door remains open for Richardson to return to the team if the Colts don't find a trade to their liking. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida only appeared in relief in two games last year before suffering a freak eye injury during a pre-game workout. Richardson's best path back to fantasy relevance is a trade out of town, but even then, fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues have likely already moved on.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) is progressing "really well" and is throwing and moving, according to James Palmer of the NFL Network. Jones is in a "really good spot" this offseason while recovering from a torn Achilles that he suffered in Week 14 last year against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts aren't putting a specific timeline on Jones' return, but they are "shooting" for him to be ready for Week 1 in early September. After Jones completed 68% of his pass attempts for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2025, they signed him to a two-year deal to return to the team in March. In addition to his passing numbers, Jones ran for 164 yards and five TDs before his season-ending Achilles injury. Barring a setback, the 28-year-old former sixth overall pick by the Giants in 2019 out of Duke should be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. Jones was having a great year in Indy before his injury last year, but fantasy managers should treat him as a risk/reward QB2 in fantasy football drafts this fall.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) underwent ankle surgery, per ESPN's Stephen Holder. Pierce reportedly played through pain in the ankle last season. The surgery will keep him from participating in OTAs, but Pierce should be ready to go for training camp. The 25-year-old had the best year of his career in 2025, recording 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 84 targets across 15 games. The Colts rewarded Pierce earlier this offseason with a four-year, $114 million extension. The team also traded away veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr., which could mean Pierce will be expected to expand his route tree beyond his usual downfield role. While it sounds as though Pierce should have a normal training camp, this ankle ailment will be something for fantasy managers to monitor heading into 2026. UPDATE: Ballard also said that Pierce is facing a "three-month recovery."

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. remains off the fantasy radar in all leagues, including dynasty formats. Richardson was benched for Daniel Jones at the start of last season and ultimately found himself on injured reserve for a large portion of the year due to an eye injury. As he remains behind Jones (and possibly Riley Leonard) on the depth chart, Richardson has requested a trade, with no such luck. The market for the former first-round pick is reportedly quite poor, and it doesn't sound like any teams are serious about trading for him. The same can be said about dynasty managers, who have no interest in pursuing Richardson, even if he doesn't cost much. Sure, he has rushing upside, but his tendency to turn the football over is such a liability. Across 11 games in 2023, Richardson amassed 1,814 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He did boost his fantasy stock slightly with 499 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, but not enough to change his fantasy outlook. His days in Indy are likely numbered, and he can be dropped in most dynasty formats.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was paid like a top-tier receiver this offseason, signing a four-year, $114 million extension. It's a hard-earned payday for Pierce, who eclipsed 1,000 yards last season and was the WR28 in PPR leagues. Still, it's a big investment for a receiver who had been third on the depth chart less than 12 months earlier. Now that he's paid like a No. 1 receiver, managers should expect him to be targeted like one every single week. His target rate will presumably increase from last year's mark of 5.6 targets per game. With Michael Pittman Jr. gone, the Colts could ask Pierce to abandon his deep-threat playing style and serve as more of a medium-range target for Daniel Jones. This might mean fewer explosive touchdowns, but it should result in a higher target share and more consistent production week in and week out. A 25-year-old who is under contract for four years is typically a very safe and dependable option for fantasy managers, as he has job security and the team is investing enough money to force-feed him targets. Managers should hold Pierce, who ranks as the WR35 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings and possesses top-24 upside.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) is working his way back from a season-ending Achilles tear that he suffered in Week 14 of the 2025 season. Jones was enjoying a career resurgence with the Colts before the crushing injury. He finished the year with 261 completions, 3,101 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 164 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns across 13 games. Prior to the Colts' Week 11 bye, Jones ranked as the overall QB5 in fantasy football. He played well for long enough that we can be confident his success was legitimate and not just a fluke. With that in mind, fantasy managers should be excited about the value he'll offer upon his return from injury. Still in his twenties and signed through 2027, Jones can be a short- to medium-term quarterback option in fantasy football. He's a top-12 quarterback option in redraft leagues, but with some uncertainty in his long-term outlook, he ranks as low as the QB27 in dynasty formats.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was a high-end RB1 and a dark-horse MVP candidate throughout the first half of the 2025 NFL season. Across his first 10 games of the year, he was averaging 113.9 rushing yards, 3.0 receptions, 26.0 receiving yards, and 1.7 touchdowns per contest. He ranked as the overall RB1 in PPR leagues from Week 1 to Week 10, and it wasn't particularly close; he was a full 25.1 points ahead of the RB2 during that span, Christian McCaffrey, and a full 89.9 points ahead of the RB4, Jahmyr Gibbs. Things went downhill from there, though, as the Colts hit their bye week and soon after lost Daniel Jones to a season-ending Achilles injury. The suboptimal quarterback play of Riley Leonard and Philip Rivers made it challenging for Jonathan Taylor to maintain his superstar role. He averaged 12.6 fantasy points per game (23rd-best) the rest of the way. Jones has a strong chance to be healthy in Week 1 of the 2026 season, which would be great news for Taylor. The 27-year-old has proven that he can still be an elite ball-carrier if the offense is in decent shape. He continues to be treated as a top running back option in RotoBaller's latest dynasty football rankings, where he ranks as the overall RB6.

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens was a fifth-round pick in a 2025 NFL Draft teeming with running back talent, and he quickly became a popular dynasty stash as the primary backup to one of fantasy's elite in Jonathan Taylor. As a rookie, Giddens dealt with minor injuries and was held out of several games as a healthy scratch, with Taylor leaned on as a workhorse, and the team favoring veteran Ameer Abdullah for his contributions in the passing game. Limited to nine games in total, Giddens finished his first season with only 96 yards on a 3.7 per carry average, and failed to record a single reception. Even with a notably weaker incoming class of rookie running backs, Giddens is no lock to even make the roster after a disappointing 2025 and would be unlikely to handle a full workload should Taylor miss time.