Indianapolis Colts prepare for 2026 season after injury-plagued collapse

The Indianapolis Colts are entering the 2026 NFL season following a period of significant volatility. During the previous season, the team experienced a dramatic shift from a 7-2 start and MVP-caliber play from quarterback Daniel Jones to a catastrophic seven-game losing streak. This collapse was driven by numerous injuries, including a torn Achilles for Jones and various ailments affecting key players like Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, and DeForest Buckner.

In an effort to bolster the defense during the previous trade deadline, General Manager Chris Ballard acquired cornerback Sauce Gardner from the Jets in exchange for two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Following the injury-plagued collapse, the team also brought Philip Rivers out of retirement to provide veteran depth at quarterback.

As the team prepares for their season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, attention turns to young talent such as second-round draft pick CJ Allen. While Allen is expected to eventually take over a starting role at linebacker, he missed much of the offseason program due to a hamstring injury and is currently slated to start behind veterans Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jaylon Carlies.