Indianapolis, Indiana, December 10, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts have signed veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad following injuries to starting QB Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard. This strategic move aims to address a critical shortage at the quarterback position as the team seeks to maintain playoff contention. Rivers, a 17-year NFL veteran, brings valuable experience and leadership, having previously led the Colts to a playoff appearance. The Colts currently face a challenging schedule and are expected to benefit from Rivers’ familiarity with the coaching staff.
Colts Sign Philip Rivers to Practice Squad Amid Quarterback Woes
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, brings extensive experience to the Colts. In his final NFL season, he led the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. His 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.
Current Quarterback Situation
With Jones out for the season and Leonard’s availability uncertain due to his knee injury, the Colts’ quarterback depth is severely compromised. Rookie Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve with an orbital fracture, and veteran Brett Rypien is currently on the practice squad. The addition of Rivers provides the team with a seasoned option to navigate the remainder of the season.
Background on Philip Rivers
Rivers, a 17-year NFL veteran, ranks among the league’s all-time leaders with 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdown passes. After retiring in 2021, he has been coaching high school football in Alabama. His return to the NFL at age 44 underscores the Colts’ urgency to stabilize their quarterback position amid playoff aspirations.
Looking Ahead
The Colts, currently 8-5, face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, including a matchup against the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks. The team hopes that Rivers’ experience and leadership will help them navigate this critical stretch and maintain their playoff contention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the Colts sign Philip Rivers to the practice squad?
The Colts signed Rivers to address a critical shortage at the quarterback position due to injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Riley Leonard.
What is Philip Rivers’ experience in the NFL?
Rivers is a 17-year NFL veteran, ranking among the league’s all-time leaders with 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdown passes.
How does Rivers’ signing affect the Colts’ playoff prospects?
Rivers’ experience and leadership are expected to help stabilize the quarterback position, aiding the Colts in maintaining their playoff contention.
Key Features of the Colts’ Quarterback Situation
| Player | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Jones | Injured Reserve | Suffered season-ending Achilles tear on December 7, 2025. |
| Riley Leonard | Injured Reserve | Dealing with knee injury; availability uncertain. |
| Anthony Richardson | Injured Reserve | Out with orbital fracture; not medically cleared to return. |
| Brett Rypien | Practice Squad | Currently on practice squad; has not been elevated to active roster. |
| Philip Rivers | Practice Squad | Signed to practice squad on December 9, 2025, after coming out of retirement. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Colts Bring Back Veteran Quarterback Philip Rivers
Colts Sign Philip Rivers Amid Quarterback Injuries
Colts Sign Veteran Quarterback Amid Injuries
Colts Sign Philip Rivers to Practice Squad Amid QB Crisis
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
Colts Re-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.
