Indianapolis, December 10, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad to address injuries at the quarterback position. Starting QB Daniel Jones is out for the season with an Achilles tear, and backup Riley Leonard is also injured. Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, hopes to stabilize the team as they prepare for a crucial match against the Seattle Seahawks, seeking to end a three-game losing streak.
Colts Sign 44-Year-Old Philip Rivers to Practice Squad
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 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7, 2025.
Immediate Impact of the Signing
Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, has not played in the NFL since leading the Colts to the playoffs that year. Despite his retirement, he has remained active in football by coaching high school football in Alabama. The Colts’ decision to bring him back is a strategic move to stabilize the quarterback position as they aim to recover from a three-game losing streak and remain competitive in the AFC South division.
Background on the Quarterback Situation
Prior to Rivers’ signing, the Colts faced significant challenges at quarterback. Rookie Anthony Richardson remains sidelined with a facial injury, and veteran Brett Rypien is currently on the practice squad. The team is hopeful that Rivers’ experience and familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen, who served as his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator during their time with the Los Angeles Chargers, will facilitate a smooth integration into the team’s offensive system.
Looking Ahead
The Colts are set to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, a crucial game for their playoff aspirations. While it remains uncertain whether Rivers will be active for this matchup, his presence on the practice squad provides the team with a seasoned option to navigate the remainder of the season. The Colts’ management and coaching staff are optimistic that Rivers’ leadership and expertise will contribute positively to the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
About Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is a veteran quarterback with a distinguished 17-year NFL career, primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and a final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. Over his career, he accumulated over 63,000 passing yards and 421 touchdown passes, ranking among the NFL’s all-time leaders in both categories. Rivers was named to eight Pro Bowls and is a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the Indianapolis Colts sign Philip Rivers to their practice squad?
The Colts signed Rivers to address a shortage at the quarterback position following season-ending injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard. Rivers’ experience and familiarity with head coach Shane Steichen are expected to help stabilize the team’s offense.
What is Philip Rivers’ background in the NFL?
Rivers is a veteran quarterback with a 17-year NFL career, primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and a final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. He ranks among the NFL’s all-time leaders in passing yards and touchdown passes and was named to eight Pro Bowls.
How does Rivers’ signing affect the Colts’ playoff prospects?
Rivers’ signing provides the Colts with a seasoned quarterback option as they aim to recover from a three-game losing streak and remain competitive in the AFC South division. His leadership and experience are expected to contribute positively to the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
Key Features of the Colts’ Quarterback Situation
| Quarterback | Status | Injury Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Jones | Injured Reserve | Torn Achilles Tendon | Season-ending injury sustained on December 7, 2025. |
| Riley Leonard | Injured Reserve | Knee Injury | Sustained during the December 7, 2025 game against Jacksonville. |
| Anthony Richardson | Injured Reserve | Facial Injury | Remains sidelined; status for return uncertain. |
| Brett Rypien | Practice Squad | Healthy | Currently on the practice squad; has not been elevated to the active roster. |
| Philip Rivers | Practice Squad | Healthy | Signed to the practice squad on December 9, 2025. |
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Colts Sign Veteran QB Philip Rivers to Practice Squad
Colts Sign Veteran Philip Rivers to Address Quarterback Shortage
Colts Sign Veteran Quarterback Philip Rivers
Colts Add Veteran Quarterback Philip Rivers to Practice Squad
Colts Sign Veteran Quarterback Philip Rivers
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.
