In order for the Indianapolis Colts to return to the playoffs in 2026, which players on offense are going to have to play key roles for that to happen?
Of course, the biggest part of this equation will be Daniel Jones and how he performs. By re-signing Jones this offseason to a two-year, $88 million deal, the Colts are banking on him returning to his previous form prior to injury.
That said, we know that Jones, along with Jonathan Taylor, Alec Pierce, and Quenton Nelson, has to play at high levels for this team to be successful. Every team needs its star players to perform well.
But looking beyond that group of players, which others can help elevate the ceiling of the Colts’ offense in 2026?
WR Josh Downs
Downs has had strong production since entering the NFL in 2023. But last year, with the addition of Tyler Warren at tight end, his workload was reduced. Downs caught 58 passes for 566 yards, while averaging 9.8 yards per reception — all of which were career lows.
However, with Michael Pittman now in Pittsburgh, there will be a lot more targets to go around, and Downs is presumably one of the players who will benefit heavily from that.
RG Matt Goncalves
Last season was Goncalves’ first playing the guard position after being a tackle in college and during his rookie year with the Colts in 2024. Overall, Goncalves was able to hold his own, but now in Year 2 at that position, the Colts need him to take a big step forward.
As a collective unit, the Colts need to carve out more consistent running lanes for Jonathan Taylor — moving the ball on the ground during the second-half of last season was no easy task. That, in turn, made things more difficult on the passing game.
RT Jalen Travis
Travis made some starts late last season and will now have the opportunity to be the Colts’ starting right tackle moving forward. The Colts’ offensive line unit should be stout once again in 2026, but how good this unit can be will be determined by the growth of Goncalves and Travis. For any offense, consistency begins with the play up front.
“We’re going to bet on some development,” GM Chris Ballard said earlier this offseason, referencing Goncalves and Jalen Travis, which may tell us that neither is a lock to be a starter.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 Colts players on offense who need big seasons to return to playoffs
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
