As the Indianapolis Colts preseason comes to a close and the regular season approaching, anticipation in Indianapolis is rapidly growing. The Colts will enter this season with a new look roster and some large expectations, but as with any team, there will be some critical deciding factors that could determine how far they can go.
With the Colts recent up-and-down seasons, it is imperative that these questions be answered sooner rather than later. Head coach Shane Steichen has put together a 25-26 record across his three seasons as head coach. Good, not great. The line between a good season and great season often comes down to some major uncertainties.
Before the season opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens, here are the three biggest questions surrounding the team:
Can Daniel Jones reclaim his form?
With Jones set to start week one, he will be just the second quarterback to start back-to-back season openers for the Indianapolis Colts since 2017. Although his season was cut short due to an achilles tear in Week 14, Jones got significant time under his belt as QB1. Jones led the Colts to a 8-5 record before the injury occurred.
Jones was on track to have his best season yet statistically, posting 3,101 passing yards, 19 Touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Before the injury, it was very safe to say that Daniel Jones was in the running for the Most Valuable Player in the league.
It is worth noting that Jones is not unfamiliar with seasons ending early due to significant injuries. This has happened in three separate seasons now, last season with a torn achilles, the 2023 season with a torn ACL, and in 2021 due to a season-ending neck injury.
After signing a lucrative two-year, $88 million contract this past March, the Indianapolis front office is banking on Jones to get back to his MVP-Caliber form.
Is Alec Pierce ready to lead the receiver room?
With the departure of longtime WR1 Michael Pittman Jr., all eyes turned onto the fifth-year receiver Alec Pierce to take over as the captain of the room. The Colts traded away Pittman Jr. and a seventh round pick (No. 230 overall) back in March to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a sixth round pick (No. 214 overall). The main reason for this trade coming together was to ensure that the Colts would have enough money available to sign Alec Pierce. Hours prior to the trade, Pierce signed a four-year, $114 million contract, solidifying him as the lead receiver in Indy for years to come.
Shortly after signing the monstrous deal, Pierce received surgery on his ankle to correct lingering issues. The timeline for recovery from General Manager Chris Ballard was said to be roughly three months, which would cause him to miss all of the offseason workouts and potentially a chunk of training camp. While losing your top receiver for a long period of time is never ideal, the timing of the surgery was at the best possible time for both parties. The offseason would provide ample time for Pierce to recover and the new long term contract would give Pierce the peace of mind as well.
As of Aug. 27, sources stated that Pierce would be activated from the PUP list (players who cannot participate due to injuries). In a pivotal turn for this Colts offense, Pierce will now be ready to practice for the first time this offseason.
After coming off a career best of 47 receptions and 1,003 yards, along with being second in yards per catch at 21.3, Pierce is primed for another massive step foward in his first season as a number one option.
Will the new look linebacker room produce?
The Colts linebacker room went through a complete overhaul this past offseason. There have always been notable names in the linebacker room such as Shaquille Leonard, Bobby Okereke and most recently Zaire Franklin. One of the biggest moves the Colts made this past offseason was trading away the six time captain Pro Bowler linebacker, Zaire Franklin. Not only was he a Pro Bowler, but Franklin was a well respected voice in the locker room. That leaves some big shoes to fill in the linebacker room, and the Colts believe they have filled that void with their offseason additions to the position group.
To offset the departures of Franklin, Segun Olubi and Cameron McGrone, the Colts drafted three new linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Those of course being CJ Allen (Round 2, No. 53), Bryce Boettcher (Round 4, 135) and George Gumbs Jr. (Round 5, 156).
Allen has been declared the ‘MIKE’ for the upcoming season, meaning he will be relaying the plays to the huddle that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is calling. A very vital job to say the least and one that Zaire Franklin performed the previous seasons. The Colts are putting a lot of trust in the rookie defensive player out of Georgia.
The draft wasn't the only time this offseason the Colts brought in a new linebacker. The Colts bolstered the core with the signing of free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither to a one-year contract. He will be starting alongside CJ Allen in Week 1. Davis-Gaither brings veteran poise to a room that is lacking that seasoned leadership. In the 2025 NFL season, he recorded 99 total tackles, 51 of those being solo. He also showed his ability to create turnovers, with one forced fumble and one interception. Having played five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals under Lou Anarumo, Davis-Gaither should feel right at home in his defensive scheme.
In a room that lacks games played, the Colts are hoping that the strength in numbers can mitigate the group's inexperience.
While these questions surrounding the team can be daunting, there are a lot of opportunities on the board as well. A foundation and a plan are already in place, with Shane Steichen at the helm, a healthy Daniel Jones, a new WR1, and an extremely young and hungry defense ready to prove themselves.
On Sept. 13, Week 1 of the NFL regular season, these questions will be answered. If Indianapolis answers them, it could very well launch them into real Super Bowl contender conversations.
