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Colts Sign Philip Rivers, 44, After QB Injuries to Jones & Leonard

December 10, 2025 GRAHAM DELANEY (Sports) Sports
Colts Sign Philip Rivers, 44, After QB Injuries to Jones & Leonard

Rivers Returns: Colts Gamble on 44-Year-Old Quarterback Amid Injury Crisis

INDIANAPOLIS – In a move that reverberated through the NFL and defied conventional wisdom, the Indianapolis Colts have signed veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad. The signing comes after a devastating sequence of injuries to their quarterback room, culminating in a torn Achilles tendon for starter Daniel Jones and a knee injury to backup Riley Leonard. Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, is now poised to become the NFL’s oldest player at 44 years old, potentially facing the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday.

From Retirement to Emergency Option: A Rapid Reunion

The improbable comeback began in the wake of Monday’s 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where Jones suffered his season-ending injury. Head coach Shane Steichen, a former colleague of Rivers during their time with the Los Angeles Chargers, initiated contact with the retired quarterback. Sources within the Colts organization revealed that Steichen and Rivers maintain a weekly dialogue, a habit established during their previous working relationship. The initial conversation quickly evolved into a potential workout, and ultimately, a practice squad contract.

Playoff Hopes and a Desperate Gamble

The Colts’ decision, while unconventional, stems from a desire to salvage a season that once held significant promise. After a 7-1 start, Indianapolis has lost four of its last five games, jeopardizing its position in the AFC playoff picture. The team recently invested heavily in cornerback Sauce Gardner, signaling a commitment to contention. Conceding the season, however, was not an option, even with the mounting injuries. “Options out there are slim,” one team source explained. “He knows the system, so why not? What the heck?” The Colts are currently 8-5, clinging to a playoff berth in a competitive AFC landscape. According to NFL.com’s playoff picture, Indianapolis currently holds the seventh seed in the AFC, but their margin for error is shrinking.

Rivers’ Skillset and the Seahawks Challenge

While Rivers’ arm talent remains largely intact – team sources described his recent workout as impressive, noting he “can still spin it” – significant questions remain about his ability to perform at an NFL level after a three-year hiatus. The biggest concern is his ability to withstand the physical demands of the game, particularly against a formidable pass rush. The Seattle Seahawks boast the fourth-ranked pass rush in the league, having recorded 41 sacks through 14 games. Rivers’ quick release and pocket awareness will be crucial, but his conditioning will be heavily scrutinized. The Seahawks’ defense also allows just 17.4 points per game, ranking second in the NFL, adding another layer of difficulty to the task.

Philip Rivers works out for the Colts, potentially facing a tough Seahawks defense. MSA/Icon Sportswire

The Hall of Fame Factor and Long-Term Implications

Rivers’ decision to return also raises questions about his Hall of Fame candidacy. He is currently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, his first year of eligibility. Returning to play would restart the five-year waiting period, delaying his potential induction until 2031. However, sources indicate Rivers prioritized the opportunity to help the Colts and reunite with Steichen over immediate Hall of Fame considerations. Despite the potential delay, Rivers’ career statistics – 63,440 passing yards (seventh all-time) and 421 touchdown passes (sixth all-time) – speak for themselves. The Colts’ gamble on Rivers is a testament to his enduring talent and the desperate circumstances facing the team. The NFL has seen veteran comebacks before, but few have been as unexpected or as potentially impactful as this one. The coming week will be critical as Rivers attempts to regain his football shape and prepare for a possible return to the field, offering a captivating storyline as the Colts fight to secure a playoff berth.