Indianapolis, Indiana, January 25, 2026
In a surprising move, the Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad, marking his return to the NFL after five years in retirement. This decision comes amid a quarterback injury crisis, as both Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard are sidelined. Rivers’s experience is expected to stabilize the team as they strive to maintain playoff aspirations despite ongoing challenges. His leadership and understanding of the game will be crucial as the Colts navigate the final stretch of the season.
Colts Sign Philip Rivers: A Veteran Resurgence in Indianapolis
Quarterback’s Comeback Amid Injury Crisis for Colts
Indianapolis, Indiana – In a surprising move, the Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad, marking his return to the NFL after nearly five years in retirement. This decision comes in response to a series of quarterback injuries that have left the team in a precarious position as they strive to maintain their playoff aspirations.
Injury Crisis Leads to Unlikely Comeback
The Colts’ quarterback situation took a significant hit when starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during a Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Backup quarterback Riley Leonard also sustained a knee injury in the same game, further depleting the team’s depth at the position. With rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson already on injured reserve due to an orbital fracture, the Colts found themselves in urgent need of experienced leadership under center.
Rivers’ Return to the NFL
Philip Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, has been coaching high school football in Alabama since his departure from the NFL. Despite his retirement, Rivers has remained active in the football community, even expressing interest in returning to the league in 2023 when the San Francisco 49ers considered him as a potential Super Bowl participant. His familiarity with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who served as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator during Rivers’ tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, is expected to facilitate a smooth integration into the team’s offensive system.
Immediate Impact and Future Prospects
Rivers’ signing was officially announced on December 9, 2025, and he was elevated to the Colts’ 53-man roster on December 13, 2025, ahead of their Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks. In his first start since 2020, Rivers completed 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown, leading the Colts to a narrow 18-16 loss to the Seahawks. Despite the defeat, Rivers’ performance demonstrated his readiness to contribute at a high level. The Colts’ subsequent games against the San Francisco 49ers and the Jacksonville Jaguars saw the team continue to face challenges, ultimately leading to their elimination from playoff contention. Throughout this period, Rivers’ leadership and experience provided valuable guidance to the team’s younger quarterbacks and the offense as a whole.
Background on the Colts’ Quarterback Situation
Prior to Rivers’ return, the Colts had been navigating a tumultuous quarterback landscape. Daniel Jones, acquired in the offseason, was expected to be the team’s starter but was sidelined by the Achilles injury. Riley Leonard, a rookie drafted in the sixth round, stepped into the starting role but faced his own injury challenges. Anthony Richardson, another promising rookie, had been placed on injured reserve earlier in the season due to an orbital fracture. With the team’s playoff hopes dwindling, the decision to bring Rivers out of retirement was seen as a bold attempt to stabilize the quarterback position and provide a veteran presence during the final stretch of the season.
Conclusion
Philip Rivers’ unexpected return to the NFL has been a focal point for the Indianapolis Colts as they navigate a challenging season marked by quarterback injuries. While the team’s playoff aspirations have been compromised, Rivers’ leadership and experience have offered a stabilizing influence during a period of uncertainty. The Colts’ decision to sign Rivers underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the lengths teams will go to in order to remain competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the Indianapolis Colts sign Philip Rivers?
The Colts signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad due to injuries to their starting and backup quarterbacks, leaving them in need of experienced leadership under center.
What is Philip Rivers’ background?
Philip Rivers retired after the 2020 season and has been coaching high school football in Alabama since then. He previously played for the Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts, earning eight Pro Bowl selections during his career.
How did Rivers perform in his first game back?
In his first start since 2020, Rivers completed 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown, leading the Colts to a narrow 18-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
What is the current status of the Colts’ quarterback situation?
With Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard injured, and Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, Rivers’ return has provided a veteran presence, though the team’s playoff hopes have been compromised due to ongoing challenges at the quarterback position.
Key Features of the Indianapolis Colts’ Quarterback Situation
| Quarterback | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Jones | Injured | Suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. |
| Riley Leonard | Injured | Sustained a knee injury in Week 14; status uncertain for future games. |
| Anthony Richardson | Injured Reserve | Placed on injured reserve earlier in the season due to an orbital fracture. |
| Philip Rivers | Signed | Signed to the practice squad on December 9, 2025; elevated to the 53-man roster on December 13, 2025; started in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. |
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