Colts Starting Cornerback Returning for Steelers Matchup

The Indianapolis Colts are getting more cornerback help just in time for the matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) works to bring down Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Just in time for the Pittsburgh Steelers clash, the Indianapolis Colts have activated cornerback Jaylon Jones from injured reserve after the starter sustained a hamstring setback in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.

Indy also signed cornerback Cameron Mitchell to the 53-man roster, as well as elevated defensive end Durell Nchami and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell to the active roster.

Lastly, the Colts waived linebacker Chad Muma and safety Trey Washington.

we have activated CB Jaylon Jones from IR and signed CB Cameron Mitchell to 53-man roster from practice squad.

we have elevated DE Durell Nchami and WR Laquon Treadwell to active roster from practice squad.

we have waived LB Chad Muma and S Trey Washington.…

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 1, 2025

While the Colts made several roster adjustments, the focus here is solely on the likely return of starting cornerback Jones, which the Indianapolis defense desperately needed.

While star cornerback Charvarius Ward recovers from a concussion that landed him on injured reserve, names like Mekhi Blackmon, Chris Lammons, and Johnathan Edwards filled in. Lammons did well in place of Kenny Moore II while he was out with an Achilles injury, but the former Pro Bowler is now back in the starting fray.

Sign Up For the Colts Daily Digest - OnSI’s Indianapolis Colts Newsletter

Jaylon Jones officially back and healthy for the Colts. A nice boost for the secondary. https://t.co/louYA9e8dm

— Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL) November 1, 2025

Jones likely won't be an outright starter once Ward returns, but he will probably take over where the undrafted rookie Edwards was playing in his absence against the Steelers.

Jones hasn't put up anything this season as of yet, but the best way to reference how well he can play is to lay out his 2024 campaign.

Last season, Jones started all 17 games and recorded career highs in interceptions (two), pass breakups (12), fumbles forced (one), tackles (100), and tackles for loss (three). Jones isn't a burner at corner, but is strong, physical, and relentless off the snap with opposing wide receivers.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) is tacked by Indianapolis Colts defensive back Jaylon Jones (40) during a game between New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. | Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If Jones gets the playing time that's assumed to see tomorrow, he'll see some of the athletic monster, D.K. Metcalf. The former Seattle Seahawk and two-time Pro Bowler is an explosive play waiting to happen, and QB Aaron Rodgers has made him a go-to target.

Through seven games, Metcalf has caught 27 passes for an explosive 461 receiving yards, five TDs, and a current career-high of 17.1 yards per reception. Needless to say, whether it's Jones or Blackmon, Metcalf is likely a mismatch for any Colts cornerback that's healthy for this game.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo must be happy to get help for his cornerback room. While the veteran defensive coach has done great with limited talent in the secondary, he'll need everything he can get to stop the combo of Rodgers and Metcalf tomorrow at Acrisure Stadium.