Indianapolis, December 9, 2025
In a significant move, the Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad, addressing a quarterback crisis caused by injuries to their top players. With starter Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard sidelined, Rivers aims to provide valuable experience as the team prepares for crucial upcoming games. Known for his extensive NFL career, Rivers’ return could bolster the Colts’ playoff aspirations during this challenging season.
Indianapolis, Indiana – In a surprising turn of events in the midst of a quarterback crisis, the Indianapolis Colts have signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad. Following injuries to their top two quarterbacks, this move aims to bolster the team’s lineup as they face significant challenges in the remaining games of the season. Rivers, a veteran of the NFL who retired in January 2021, brings with him a wealth of experience from his notable career primarily spent with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and completing his career with the Colts in 2020.
The Colts are currently grappling with an unstable quarterback situation, having lost starter Daniel Jones to a season-ending Achilles injury and backup Riley Leonard to a knee injury during a recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. These developments have left the team with significant depth issues at the quarterback position, with rookie Anthony Richardson also sidelined due to a facial injury. Rivers’ signing not only adds experience to the practice squad but also reinforces a commitment to navigating the challenges ahead.
Injury Impact on Colts’ Quarterback Position
The Colts have entered a precarious moment in their season with three quarterbacks injured simultaneously. Daniel Jones, who was delivering an impressive performance this season, will miss the rest of the year due to a torn Achilles tendon. As a result, the focus now turns to Philip Rivers, whose presence in practice could be vital as the team prepares to face formidable opponents in the coming weeks. The addition of Rivers to the practice squad serves as a strategic measure to ensure the team remains competitive in these crucial matchups.
Philip Rivers’ Career Overview
Philip Rivers boasts an accomplished 16-season NFL career, marked by impressive statistics and leadership qualities. Primarily known for his time with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Rivers concluded his tenure with the Colts in 2020. In his final season, he achieved over 4,000 passing yards and threw 24 touchdowns, guiding the Colts to an 11-5 record. His legacy includes ranking seventh in NFL history with 63,440 passing yards and sixth with 421 touchdown passes, solidifying his status as a potential future Hall of Famer.
Colts’ Upcoming Schedule and Challenges
As the Colts prepare to face off against the Seattle Seahawks—currently standing with a 10-3 record—the pressure is mounting. The Colts, with an 8-5 record, are also scheduled to encounter other competitive teams, such as the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars, both at 9-4, as well as the Houston Texans, who also hold an 8-5 record. Incorporating Rivers into the practice squad demonstrates a proactive approach to overcoming the recent injury challenges, as well as a focus on maintaining the team’s playoff aspirations.
Support for Local Teams and Businesses
The unexpected signing of Rivers underlines the spirit of resilience and adaptability that is characteristic of Indianapolis’s culture. As the community rallies behind the Colts, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of local support for teams and businesses alike. The Colts’ challenges highlight how partnerships and community engagement can inspire both sporting success and broader economic growth in Marion County.
Encouragement for Fans to Stay Engaged
As the Colts navigate these turbulent waters, it is crucial for fans and community members to continue supporting their local teams and businesses. The Colts’ journey this season can serve as a testament to the strength of the local economy and the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within Indianapolis. With resilience and determination, the future holds the potential for outstanding achievements both on and off the field.
Conclusion
In summary, the signing of Philip Rivers to the Colts’ practice squad comes at a critical juncture for the team as they grapple with significant quarterback injuries. Rivers’ extensive experience in the NFL could provide valuable guidance to the team during the remaining games of the season. As Indianapolis continues to rally behind its sports teams and local businesses, there is a collective optimism that reflects the character and tenacity of the city’s community. Engagement and support for local initiatives are paramount as we move forward into a competitive future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the Indianapolis Colts sign Philip Rivers to their practice squad?
The Colts signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad due to injuries to their top two quarterbacks. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, and backup Riley Leonard sustained a knee injury in the recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rivers’ addition aims to provide depth and experience to the quarterback position as the team prepares for upcoming games.
What is Philip Rivers’ NFL career background?
Philip Rivers had a distinguished 16-season career in the NFL, primarily with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, before concluding his playing days with the Colts in 2020. During his final season, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the Colts to an 11-5 record. Rivers ranks seventh in NFL history with 63,440 passing yards and sixth with 421 touchdown passes. He is also a semifinalist for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
What is the current status of the Colts’ quarterback position?
The Colts are facing a quarterback crisis with three quarterbacks sidelined. Daniel Jones, who was having a standout season, is out for the remainder of the year due to a torn Achilles tendon. Backup Riley Leonard is dealing with a knee injury, and rookie Anthony Richardson remains sidelined with a facial injury. Veteran Brett Rypien is currently on the practice squad. Rivers’ addition to the practice squad aims to provide depth and experience to the position as the team prepares for upcoming games.
What is the Colts’ upcoming game schedule?
The Colts, currently with an 8-5 record, are set to face the Seattle Seahawks, who hold a 10-3 record, in the upcoming week. The team is also scheduled to play against the San Francisco 49ers (9-4), Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4), and Houston Texans (8-5) in the remaining weeks of the season. The addition of Rivers to the practice squad is part of the Colts’ efforts to navigate the challenges posed by recent quarterback injuries as they approach these critical matchups.
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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.
