Indianapolis, Indiana, December 10, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad, addressing urgent quarterback shortages due to injuries. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones has suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, while backup Riley Leonard is recovering from a knee injury. Rivers, who retired in 2020 after a successful NFL career, brings extensive experience and familiarity with the coaching staff as the Colts aim for a playoff push in the final stretch of the season.
Indianapolis Colts Sign 44-Year-Old Quarterback Philip Rivers
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad, addressing a critical shortage at the quarterback position due to recent injuries. This move comes after starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, and backup Riley Leonard sustained a knee injury during the team’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rookie Anthony Richardson remains sidelined with an orbital fracture, further depleting the team’s quarterback roster.
Details of the Signing
Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, has been coaching high school football in Alabama. Despite his retirement, he remains among the NFL’s all-time leaders in passing yards and touchdowns. The Colts, currently holding an 8-5 record, are seeking to stabilize their offense during a challenging final stretch of the season. Rivers’ familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen, who served as his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers, is expected to facilitate a smoother integration into the team’s system.
Background Context
Rivers spent 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Colts for his final NFL season in 2020. In that year, he led the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance, marking the last time Indianapolis made the postseason. Following his retirement, Rivers has been involved in coaching at the high school level. The Colts’ decision to bring him back underscores the team’s urgency to address their quarterback situation amid a series of injuries.
Implications for the Colts
With the addition of Rivers, the Colts aim to provide veteran leadership and depth to their quarterback lineup. The team is hopeful that Rivers’ experience and prior relationship with Steichen will contribute to a successful conclusion of the season and a potential playoff berth. The Colts are scheduled to face the Seattle Seahawks in their upcoming game, with rookie Riley Leonard expected to start, pending his recovery from the knee injury.
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 to address a critical shortage at the quarterback position due to recent injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard.
What is Philip Rivers’ background?
Philip Rivers retired after the 2020 season, having spent 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and one season with the Indianapolis Colts. He has been coaching high school football in Alabama since his retirement.
How does Rivers’ signing affect the Colts’ quarterback situation?
Rivers’ signing provides the Colts with veteran leadership and depth at the quarterback position, which is crucial given the injuries to their current quarterbacks. His familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen is expected to facilitate a smoother integration into the team’s system.
What are the Colts’ upcoming games?
The Colts are scheduled to face the Seattle Seahawks in their upcoming game, with rookie Riley Leonard expected to start, pending his recovery from a knee injury.
Key Features of the Colts’ Quarterback Situation
| Quarterback | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Jones | Injured | Suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. |
| Riley Leonard | Injured | Sustained a knee injury during the same game; expected to start against the Seattle Seahawks, pending recovery. |
| Anthony Richardson | Injured | Remains sidelined with an orbital fracture; not expected to return this week. |
| Brett Rypien | Available | On the practice squad; has not been elevated to the active roster since mid-October. |
| Philip Rivers | Signed | Signed to the practice squad; expected to provide veteran leadership and depth. |
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HERE Resources
Colts Sign Philip Rivers to Practice Squad Due to QB Injuries
Indianapolis Colts Sign 44-Year-Old Quarterback Philip Rivers
Colts Sign Philip Rivers to Practice Squad Amid Quarterback Crisis
Colts Sign Philip Rivers to Practice Squad Amid Quarterback Injuries
Colts Sign Philip Rivers Amid Quarterback Crisis
Colts Sign Philip Rivers to Practice Squad Amid Quarterback Crisis
Colts Sign Philip Rivers to Practice Squad Due to Injuries
Indianapolis Colts Sign Veteran Quarterback Philip Rivers
Indianapolis Colts Sign Veteran Quarterback Philip Rivers
Colts Add Philip Rivers to Practice Squad Amid QB Injuries
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
