Three members of the Indianapolis Colts were listed among the “100 most important players” for the 2026 NFL season.
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports was the one who put this list together, and included were quarterback Daniel Jones, cornerback Sauce Gardner, and running back Jonathan Taylor.
Let’s take a closer look.
27. Colts QB Daniel Jones
The Colts prioritized re-signing Jones this offseason because the belief internally is that he can regain his previous form prior to the Achilles injury. Through 10 games, Jones and the Colts’ offense were red-hot, although even before the injury, defenses did seem to have a bead on what the offense was doing, but we never really got the opportunity to see how Jones and Shane Steichen would counter.
Jones’ level of play coming off this injury will determine the ceiling for the 2026 Colts.
What Pereles said: “Jones was outplaying even the highest expectations early in the year before fracturing his leg and then tearing his Achilles tendon a few weeks later. He finished third in the NFL in net yards per attempt and looked as spry as ever, executing Shane Steichen’s heavy play-action scheme well. Can he get back to his 2025 form?”
28. Colts CB Sauce Gardner
A calf injury limited Gardner to only four games in a Colts uniform, but he was able to showcase the impact that he can have. In those games, Gardner allowed a completion rate of 54%, giving up just 7.3 yards per catch, with three pass breakups.
With Gardner’s ability to lock down half of the football field with his presence in coverage, he allows defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to call much more aggressive games. His ability to travel with an opponent’s top wideout also provides Anarumo with additional flexibility as he builds out game plans.
What Pereles said: “The Colts, looking like real contenders, sent two first-round picks to the Jets for Gardner. Then Daniel Jones and Gardner were both injured in the same game. Gardner’s injury was only a calf strain, luckily, but the quickest path for the Colts to get back to contention has him at the top of his game as Jones recovers.”
69. Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
Taylor is coming off another highly productive season. Of course, the rushing yards and touchdowns that Taylor is able to rack up do wonders for the Colts’ offense. But his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. When the Colts can lean on Taylor, that keeps the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations. This, in turn, opens up the playbook for Steichen and the passing game for Jones. When Taylor is rolling, everyone benefits.
What Pereles said: “Taylor led the NFL in rushes (323) and rushing touchdowns (18) and was fueling one of the NFL’s very best offenses before Daniel Jones tore his Achilles. He’ll be the focal point again, and perhaps even more so early on as Jones finishes off his recovery.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 Colts listed among ‘most important’ NFL players in 2026
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
