The Indianapolis Colts may once again turn to a familiar face at quarterback as they prepare for the 2026 season. With Daniel Jones recovering from injury, projections now point to Gardner Minshew as the team’s expected starter under center.
Minshew previously guided Indianapolis through stretches of instability, earning respect inside the locker room for his poise and competitiveness. His experience within the organization and comfort with the offensive structure make him a logical option as the Colts seek stability.
Indianapolis Colts, Daniel Jones
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) runs the ball on a keeper during the first quarter of an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 36-19.
Jones’ injury has complicated the franchise’s offseason planning, forcing decision-makers to reassess depth at the most important position on the field. Rather than entrust the offense to an untested arm, forecasts suggest Indianapolis could prioritize familiarity and reliability.
Minshew’s skill set does not rely on overpowering arm strength but instead on timing, anticipation and mobility within the pocket. Those traits allowed him to manage games effectively during prior stops, keeping the offense on schedule and limiting costly mistakes.
ESPN Predicts Indianapolis Colts to Choose Gardner Minshew as QB1 for 2026 Season
Las Vegas Raiders, Gardner Minshew, NFL, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis may end up with Minshew while Jones recovers from an injury. This is detailed more in an analysis by Seth Walder for ESPN.
But if the Colts bring Jones back, they’ll need another QB to start the season. And they would want it to be someone they can win with in the short and medium term — but probably not someone who would cost too much or to whom they would have to commit beyond 2026.
Enter Minshew. The journeyman had more success playing for Shane Steichen in 2023 than at any other point in his career. Steichen got much more out of Minshew — who recorded a 60.4 QBR that season — than he has out of Joe Flacco (50.0) or Anthony Richardson Sr. (44.4). That 2023 earned Minshew $15 million fully guaranteed from the Raiders the next offseason, but it went so badly in Vegas that he played for the Chiefs for just $1.2 million last season. It was feared that Minshew had torn his ACL in December, but he did not.
Because Minshew’s star has fallen, he would be a cheap option for the Colts to pair with second-year QB Riley Leonard while they wait for Jones to heal.
For a Colts roster built to compete in a tightly contested AFC South, early-season steadiness could determine whether postseason hopes remain intact. Reintroducing a quarterback who understands the culture and expectations may offer the smoothest path forward while Jones continues his recovery.
As training camp approaches, the quarterback competition will command attention throughout the organization. If projections hold true and Minshew reclaims the starting role, Indianapolis will be banking on experience to navigate uncertainty and keep its playoff aspirations alive.
For More Of My Content
For More Of My Content Follow me on Twitter at @BeatKit22. You may also reach out to me personally at kitguinhawa@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!