The Indianapolis Colts just signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to their practice squad. Rivers hasn’t played in the NFL for five years, but the team desperately needs help at quarterback. Their injury situation is a complete disaster, and this wild move actually makes sense when you look at what’s happening.
The Colts started the season strong with an 8-2 record behind starting quarterback Daniel Jones. But Jones broke his left fibula, which hurt his performance. Then he tore his right Achilles and landed on injured reserve. Rookie Anthony Richardson, who was the fourth overall pick in 2023, still can’t play after breaking his orbital bone in a freak warmup accident back in October.
Things got even worse last Sunday when sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard had to step in for Jones. Leonard hurt his knee during the game and only realized it on the flight home. According to Yahoo Sports, he practiced on Wednesday, but no one knows if he can play against the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. The team also has journeyman Brett Rypien on the roster, but they don’t seem to trust him much.
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The Colts needed someone who already knew the system
General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen called Rivers on Sunday night. Rivers worked with Steichen for nine years in San Diego and played his last NFL season with the Colts in 2020. The team told him to think about it overnight. By Monday, Rivers was all in.
Rivers flew to Indianapolis for a throwing session on Tuesday. After that workout, he told the Colts, “Dadgummit, let’s freaking go.” The deal was done. Rivers knows the playbook inside and out because he ran it for years under Steichen. Even better, he’s been coaching his son Gunnar’s high school team this year using the exact same playbook. Rivers recently gave his son a play, and Gunnar said, “Dang, because we ran that play two weeks ago in the semifinal game.”
Rivers also knows 14 players from his 2020 season with the Colts. That includes key offensive players like running back Jonathan Taylor, receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and tight end Mo Alie-Cox. He’s not just some random veteran coming in cold. The organization has been creating heartwarming moments on and off the field this season, showing the tight-knit culture Rivers is returning to.
There’s even a connection with Riley Leonard. Rivers and Leonard are 22 years apart in age, but they both live in Fairhope, Alabama. They worked out together this spring. When the Colts drafted Leonard, he texted Rivers, who drove to his house to go over the playbook together. Leonard says Rivers is still super competitive. If Leonard beat him in target throws or sprints, Rivers would send him an angry voice memo at 11:00 PM claiming Leonard cheated.
Rivers knows he’s not going to be running around avoiding defenders at 44 years old. He said, “I’m not here to stinking save the year or be a hero by any means.” He knows his limits, but he’s never backed down from a challenge. Coming back means his 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration will be delayed another five years. Rivers admits he and his family are “a little scared, a little nervous,” but he sees this as a bonus chance to play the game he loves.
The Colts are 8-5 and currently outside the playoff picture with just a 26% chance to make the postseason. Despite their strong record, there’s been debate about their AFC standing among analysts. If they beat Seattle this weekend, their chances jump to 50%. Rivers might be their only shot at keeping the season alive.
Published: Dec 11, 2025 04:15 pm