Daniel Jones has stepped back onto the Colts’ practice field during OTAs, less than six months after surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon. The quarterback was seen dropping back and launching a pass on Wednesday, signaling that his recovery is moving forward. Jones said he has felt strong throughout camp so far and is staying on the recovery track, ensuring he is available every day. He noted that a key focus of his rehab has been pushing off the foot when he is under center so as not to disrupt the timing with running backs or the play‑action game.

The Colts signed Jones to a two‑year contract that can be worth up to $100 million, with $88 million guaranteed. The deal, announced in May, follows a career year for Jones before the injury and a four‑year, $160 million extension he had signed with the New York Giants in 2022. Jones was released by the Giants after the 2024 season and then signed with the Colts, where he beat out Anthony Richardson for the starting job.

Jones’ return is significant for a Colts team that finished the 2025 season with an 8–9 record and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. The franchise hopes he can help the team improve on that record and contend for the AFC South title for the first time since 2014.

In Jacksonville, the Jaguars are evaluating their offensive line through competition. Right tackle Anton Harrison, drafted in the first round in 2023, has been playing left tackle for four consecutive practices in training camp. Head coach Liam Coen said Harrison has done a nice job and has put together five good practices so far. Coen praised the consistency, effort, technique and finish that Harrison has shown, and noted that the unit has handled the transition “pretty seamlessly.” Harrison’s move to left tackle is part of the Jaguars’ effort to identify the best five offensive linemen.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans welcomed back defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who had last worn the Texans uniform in 2018 before being traded to Seattle in 2019. Clowney said he had a chance to go back to where it all started and that the building had changed a lot in a good way. He noted that the coaching staff is different, more relaxed, and that DeMeco Ryans is running the show. Clowney said the energy in the building is fun and that great things will happen for him and the team. The Texans’ roster has been bolstered by Clowney’s return, adding depth on the edge to a defense that has already been strong.

ESPN’s DJ Bien‑Aime reported that wide receiver Tank Dell is participating in padded team drills for the first time since his significant leg injury. The report did not provide details about the injury but confirmed that Dell is back in practice.

These updates come as the NFL heads into the 2026 season, which will begin on September 9, 2026. The Colts, Jaguars, Texans and other teams are preparing for a season that will feature 18 regular‑season games and a playoff run that could culminate in Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027.

The Colts’ focus remains on Jones’ continued recovery and his ability to lead the offense, while the Jaguars are fine‑tuning their line and the Texans are building depth on defense. The return of veteran players like Clowney and the re‑entry of players such as Jones and Dell add experience to teams that are looking to compete for playoff spots and, for some, a division title.

As the offseason progresses, teams will continue to evaluate player health, contract status and roster moves. The Colts’ 2026 campaign will be watched closely to see whether Jones can help the franchise return to the playoffs after a five‑year absence. The Jaguars will monitor Harrison’s performance at left tackle, and the Texans will assess Clowney’s impact on the defensive front. The NFL landscape will also be shaped by the performance of other teams as they prepare for a competitive season.

The league’s schedule, player health updates, and roster decisions will all play a role in determining which teams will make the playoffs and which will look to rebuild for the future.