Daniel Jones’ passing numbers through three games look nothing like what he gave the Indianapolis Colts a year ago. Before the quarterback takes the blame, look at who is missing downfield.
Jones is averaging 6.2 yards per attempt, according to Pro Football Reference, down from 8.1 in 2025. That would be the third-lowest mark of his eight NFL seasons. ESPN’s Stephen Holder wrote this week that the dip is “probably less about Jones’ performance and more a reflection of what the Colts look like without” wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Alec Pierce’s absence has shrunk the Colts’ passing game
Pierce aggravated his surgically repaired heel early in the Week 2 loss to Kansas City and is expected to miss several weeks, with a return possible around midseason. He led the NFL in yards per reception in each of the past two seasons and topped 1,000 yards in 2025. He also sat out most of training camp after spring surgery, so Indianapolis has been without its deep threat at full strength all year.
It shows in where the ball is going. Jones’ average depth of target is 6.5 yards, which ranks 32nd among 36 qualified quarterbacks, according to PFF, and his 61.2 passing grade sits 24th. Tight end Tyler Warren leads the team with 18 catches but has only 89 yards. Keenan Allen is averaging 7.7 yards on his 13 receptions. The Colts’ longest completion of the season is a 48-yarder to Laquon Treadwell.
Help could arrive Sunday in London. Darius Slayton, who signed on Sept. 22, is in line to make his Colts debut against the Washington Commanders. He has averaged 15 yards per catch over 106 career games and spent six seasons as Jones’ teammate with the New York Giants. “He’s a guy outside who’s got speed, been able to get behind guys and affect the defense that way,” Jones said, via the team’s website.
Kickoff at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set for 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network. Indianapolis is coming off a 19-17 win over Houston in which it scored one touchdown and needed four Spencer Shrader field goals.
