Colts and Philip Rivers Agree on NFL Return Contract; Last Played in 2021

Nearly five years after his last NFL appearance, Philip Rivers has returned to the Indianapolis Colts. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he has signed a deal to join the Colts’ practice squad. A close associate mentioned that Rivers is in better physical condition now than during his playing days.

The Colts’ decision stems from a series of injuries plaguing their quarterback lineup. Daniel Jones sustained a torn Achilles during a recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending his season. Riley Leonard, who saw significant action in that match, suffered a knee injury which raises uncertainty about his availability for Week 15. Additionally, Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, remains on injured reserve due to an orbital fracture incurred from a training mishap.

Philip Rivers’ NFL Career and Return

Rivers previously played for the Colts in the 2020 season, where he signed after a lengthy career with the Los Angeles Chargers spanning 16 years. During that final season, he guided the Colts to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance, where they narrowly lost to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card round.

In 2020, Rivers threw for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns, demonstrating a completion rate of 68.0% across 16 starts. His impressive tenure is highlighted by a streak of 240 consecutive games started, the second-longest in NFL history, trailing only Brett Favre’s record of 297 games.