# Indianapolis Colts 2026 season progression

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indianapolis-colts-2026-season-progression
> Updated: 2026-09-15T17:00:02.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2026 NFL season attempting to recover from a previous season marked by a seven-game losing streak and significant injuries to key players, including quarterback Daniel Jones. To address defensive needs, the team had previously acquired cornerback Sauce Gardner, and they also brought back Philip Rivers to provide veteran depth following Jones’s Achilles injury.

In their season opener at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts faced the Baltimore Ravens, losing 41-23. While Daniel Jones returned to action in his first start since recovering from his Achilles injury, the Colts were unable to sustain momentum after an early 6-0 lead fueled by a touchdown run from Jonathan Taylor. Jones struggled under the Ravens' blitz, facing pressure on 52.9% of his dropbacks. Jonathan Taylor described the heavy loss as a “wakeup call” for the team.

The Ravens secured a dominant victory in head coach Jesse Minter’s debut, led by Lamar Jackson, who threw for 324 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Derrick Henry contributed 144 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Zay Flowers recorded 150 yards and a 54-yard touchdown before exiting with a hamstring injury. Baltimore’s defense, featuring Trey Hendrickson and Tavius Robinson, applied significant pressure on the Colts' offense.

Despite the blowout loss, cornerback Sauce Gardner maintained elite metrics, limiting Flowers to just 12 yards of receiving production while in his coverage. Following the loss, the Colts waived cornerback Johnathan Edwards and now prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Baltimore Ravens defeat Indianapolis Colts 41-23 in season opener

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Indianapolis Colts 41-23 in their NFL season opener, highlighted by a dominant performance from Zay Flowers and a relentless Ravens pass rush.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/baltimore-ravens-defeat-indianapolis-colts-in-season-opener

### 2026-09-11: Baltimore Ravens defeat Indianapolis Colts 41-23 in season opener

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Indianapolis Colts 41-23 in their 2026 season opener, fueled by strong performances from Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry despite injuries to Zay Flowers.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lamar-jackson-leads-explosive-ravens-offense-in-season-opener

### 2026-09-09: Indianapolis Colts prepare for 2026 season after injury-plagued collapse

Following a season defined by a dramatic collapse and major injuries, the Indianapolis Colts prepare for their 2026 season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indianapolis-colts-prepare-for-2026-season-after-injury-plagued-collapse

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Cite as: Indianapolis Colts 2026 season progression. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indianapolis-colts-2026-season-progression