Two days after signing 44-year-old Philip Rivers to their practice squad amid a quarterback injury crisis, the 8-5 Indianapolis Colts could elevate the veteran for Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET clash with the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks—1,800 days after his last NFL start. Reactions from Tom Brady and others highlight the mental challenges of such a comeback as the Colts aim to end a recent skid.
Building on the Colts' midweek signing of retired Philip Rivers to address injuries to Daniel Jones (torn Achilles), Anthony Richardson (IR), and Riley Leonard (PCL sprain), anticipation builds for a potential activation against Seattle's stout defense (No. 2 in points allowed at 17.4 per game, yards per play at 4.5, third-down rate at 33%).
Rivers, a 17-year veteran with 63,440 yards and 421 TDs from his 2020 Colts stint, called the opportunity unexpected but exciting. Analysts foresee challenges, with CBS' Tyler Sullivan predicting a 'tough outing' and Seattle favored by 13.5 in a 30-16 projected win, potentially 'spoiling' the story by halftime.
NFL luminaries chimed in: Tom Brady, 48 and Raiders minority owner, affirmed he 'certainly could' still play, stressing the mental side ('from the neck up... mental is to physical as four is to one') and quipping about Rivers' retirements. Jets coach Aaron Glenn, 53 and retired since 2008, joked he'd suit up for his team's final games.
With a brutal schedule remaining (Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars, Texans) and Jonathan Taylor leading the NFL in rushing (1,356 yards, 16 TDs), Rivers' familiarity with Shane Steichen's system offers hope for playoff contention from the AFC's eighth spot.
