The Indianapolis Colts are in first place thanks to their high-flying offense, and their defense is about to get much more dangerous now.
Cornerback Jaylon Jones was returned to practice and is expected to return from IR and play in Indianapolis’ game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Indianapolis (6-1) has the best record in the NFL, led by its NFL-best offense, which leads the league in points per game (33.1) and is second in the NFL in yards per game (380.3).
But the Colts defense has been masters at bending and not breaking. They rank eighth in the NFL in points-against per game (20.0) yet has allowed at least 24 points in three of their past four games — and ranks 29th in passing-yards against per game (255.4).
Jaylon Jones Is An Impact Cornerback
Some Colts fans may not remember that Jones, a seventh-round pick of the team in 2023, put up 100 tackles in 2024, led them with 12 passes defended and had two interceptions.
Though he didn’t start his lone game in 2025, Indianapolis’ season-opening, 33-8 win over the Miami Dolphins, Jones injured his hamstring while playing just six special-teams snaps.
But the Colts opened Jones’ 21-day return window this week, and he came back to practice Wednesday. He then was a participant in their Thursday practice too.
“I’m excited to get back out there with the guys,” Jones said. “To get to play football, the game that I love, is very exciting.
“I just want to contribute and just be a part of the guys. I’m going to go out there to fly around. … I just want to go out there and play my role and help the team.”
This was the first time Jones has dealt with a hamstring injury that kept him off the field, though he confirmed the injury was a continuation of the hamstring ailment he went through during camp.
Jones admitted he had a hard time staying patient while recovering from the injury but that doing so was worth the wait given how he feels now.
“It’s hard just because you want to be out there,” Jones said. “But [we’re] definitely taking the right steps, getting those soft-tissue injuries back right and taking the right steps.”
Score Effects Have Had An Effect On The Colts’ Pass Defense Stats
Jones’ injury has obviously had an impact on the Colts’ ghastly passing defensive numbers. But when you scratch the surface, Indy’s air defense has not been as bad as its numbers indicate.
Indy has allowed the second-most pass attempts in the NFL (275) through seven weeks, a function of playing from ahead in nearly all of its games. The Colts are allowing a 66.2 completion percentage (19th) and is giving up 7.0 yards per pass (18th), each of which is far more respectable than the huge numbers they are giving up.
Yet, Jones’ return will be welcome since they have been fortunate. Cornerback Johnathan Edwards ranks 98th of 112 cornerbacks by Pro-Football Focus, and the Colts have been buoyed by nine interceptions — the third-most in the league — and the sixth-most sacks in the NFL (19) through seven weeks.
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