The Indianapolis Colts currently sit in first place, thanks in large part to their high-flying offense. Now, their defense is about to become even more dangerous. Cornerback Jaylon Jones has been returned to practice and is expected to come off injured reserve (IR) and play in Indianapolis’ upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Indianapolis (6-1) boasts the best record in the NFL, led by its league-best offense. The Colts lead the NFL in points per game (33.1) and rank second in yards per game (380.3). While their offense has been explosive, the Colts defense has excelled at bending without breaking. They rank eighth in the league in points allowed per game (20.0). However, the defense has allowed at least 24 points in three of their past four contests and ranks 29th in passing yards allowed per game (255.4).
### Jaylon Jones Is An Impact Cornerback
Some Colts fans may not recall that Jones, a seventh-round pick in 2023, made a significant impact in 2024. He recorded 100 tackles, led the team with 12 passes defended, and notched two interceptions. Although he only started one game in 2025—the season-opening 33-8 victory over the Miami Dolphins—Jones suffered a hamstring injury after playing just six special-teams snaps.
This week, the Colts opened Jones’ 21-day return window, allowing him to resume practice. He returned Wednesday and also participated in Thursday’s practice.
“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 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 marks the first time Jones has dealt with a hamstring injury that sidelined him, although he confirmed the injury stemmed from a lingering issue he experienced during training camp. Jones admitted that staying patient during recovery was challenging but that the wait has been worth it considering how he feels now.
“It’s hard just because you want to be out there,” Jones explained. “But we’re definitely taking the right steps, getting those soft-tissue injuries back right and taking the right steps.”
### Score Effects Have Influenced the Colts’ Pass Defense Stats
Jones’ absence has clearly impacted the Colts’ struggling pass defense numbers. However, when digging deeper, Indianapolis’ secondary has not been as poor as the raw stats suggest.
The Colts have allowed the second-most pass attempts in the NFL (275) through seven weeks—a result of frequently playing with a lead in nearly all their games. Indianapolis permits a 66.2% completion percentage (ranked 19th) and gives up 7.0 yards per pass attempt (ranked 18th), numbers that are more respectable than the overall yardage and points allowed might indicate.
Still, Jones’ return will be a welcome boost. Cornerback Johnathan Edwards ranks 98th out of 112 cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus, so the Colts have had to rely on other factors. Fortunately, the team has been buoyed by nine interceptions (third-most in the league) and six sacks (sixth-most) through seven weeks.
With Jones back in the mix, the Colts’ defense looks poised to become a more formidable complement to their potent offense as the season continues.
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