In his first season with the Colts, Daniel Jones was sacked 22 times, one of the lowest totals for a starting quarterback, but there were two notable caveats: he played with a fractured leg and later sustained a torn Achilles. Despite the unit’s solid play, the 2026 season presents new tests, including whether the five-man front can maintain their high level of performance. An NFL writer highlighted one specific offensive lineman as being under pressure to perform next season.
Colts Second-Year O-Lineman Under Pressure
The Indianapolis offensive line has a history of strong play when a member of the five-man group or the offensive line coach departs, but the upcoming season marks a different chapter, as the team lost a key starter, Braden Smith. PFF’s Bradley Locker identified second-year tackle Jalen Travis as the player most likely to face pressure in 2026. Travis would be stepping into Smith’s position, with the expectation of taking on a starting role at right tackle.
“Unlike the other 2025 draftees on this list, Travis wasn’t as heralded in terms of round. However, he’s likely to play an instrumental role for the Colts in 2026,” Locker wrote. “As a fourth-round pick, Travis appeared on 316 snaps for Indianapolis as a rookie, primarily at right tackle. He looked steady with a 72.2 overall PFF grade, permitting only one sack across 165 opportunities and posting a 72.6 PFF run-blocking grade.”
“With longtime stalwart Braden Smith heading to Houston this spring, Travis is now in pole position to be the Colts’ new starting right tackle. Given Indianapolis’ history of developing quality offensive linemen, the Iowa State product could step up quickly in his second year,” Locker added.
Travis played in every game in the 2025 season but did not start until late in the year after Smith was sidelined by injury. As Locker noted, Travis performed well in limited action during his rookie year. With a larger role expected in 2026, the coaching staff will need to ensure he maintains consistency; otherwise, he could lose the starting job. Considering the Colts’ development track record for O-line talent, it would be challenging for Travis to miss another extended opportunity.
Shane Steichen on Jalen Travis
With Daniel Jones expected to be under center in Week 1 of the 2026 season, the Colts’ offensive line will need to be at their best to protect the quarterback from reinjury. Jalen Travis faces a significant challenge, as he brings the least starting experience among the line. Head coach Shane Steichen remains optimistic about Travis’s potential.
“I think there’s huge upside with Jalen,” Steichen said. “Obviously, he did some good things for us. A big human. I think the offensive line coach does a great job with those guys up front, getting them prepared each and every week. [Travis is a] smart player. Picked it up pretty fast, so excited about what the future holds for him.”
This article was compiled to provide a clear overview of the Colts’ offensive line status heading into the 2026 season, focusing on the transition at right tackle and the expectations for the second-year lineman taking on added responsibilities. The Colts’ ability to protect their quarterback and sustain their running game will play a crucial role in determining how competitive they are in the upcoming year.
