The Indianapolis Colts have signed veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad following season-ending injuries to Daniel Jones and others in the quarterback room. Rivers, who last played for the Colts in 2020, returns after a five-year retirement to provide depth ahead of a tough Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The move comes as the 8-5 Colts fight to salvage their playoff hopes.
The Indianapolis Colts' promising season has been derailed by a wave of injuries, particularly at quarterback, prompting the team to bring back 44-year-old Philip Rivers from retirement. Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler, signed with the practice squad on Wednesday after a Monday workout, as confirmed by multiple reports. He last played in 2020 with the Colts, throwing for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance.
The catalyst for Rivers' return was Daniel Jones' torn right Achilles suffered early in Week 14's 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million deal (up to $17.7 million), had been enjoying a career resurgence with 2,062 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 109.5 passer rating through eight games. Backup Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve with an orbital fracture from preseason, and rookie Riley Leonard suffered a PCL sprain in the same Jaguars game but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
Rivers, who retired in 2021 after 17 NFL seasons (134-106 record, 63,440 passing yards, 421 touchdowns), echoed a lighthearted assessment from his former coach Brian Schottenheimer. "He might not be able to move. He really never could move, but boy he can get the ball out of his hand fast," Schottenheimer said. Rivers responded at his introductory press conference: "I ain't ran away from anybody anyway."
The veteran will wear No. 17, previously Jones' number, with NFL approval since it poses no competitive issue. If elevated, Rivers could make his first start in 1,800 days, marking the longest layoff for a quarterback over 40 in NFL history. He emphasized his excitement despite the risks: "I thought that ship had sailed, but something about it excited me."
The Colts, who started 7-1 but have lost four of five to fall to 8-5, face a daunting schedule: Seattle (10-3), San Francisco, Jacksonville, and Houston. Running back Jonathan Taylor leads the NFL with 1,356 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, providing a strong ground game. Additional injuries compound the issues, with cornerback Sauce Gardner out week-to-week (calf), Charvarius Ward on IR (third concussion this season), and DeForest Buckner sidelined since Week 9 (neck).
Rivers' familiarity with coach Shane Steichen's system—he worked under Steichen as Chargers offensive coordinator—and 14 returning teammates from 2020 eases his transition. The Colts sit eighth in the AFC, one spot out of playoffs, making Rivers' potential role crucial.
