Philip Rivers Comes Out of Retirement to Join Colts

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Philip Rivers Comes Out of Retirement to Join Colts

Philip Rivers is making a surprising return to the NFL by joining the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. After not playing since 2020, Rivers has been signed as an emergency quarterback. This decision comes as the Colts face significant injuries to their quarterback lineup.

Details on Rivers’ Return

Rivers, 44, participated in a workout with the Colts and impressed coaches with his performance. He has a personal connection to the team, having previously worked under Colts coach Shane Steichen during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Current Quarterback Situation

  • Starter Daniel Jones is out for the season with a torn right Achilles.
  • Backup Riley Leonard is sidelined due to a knee injury.
  • Anthony Richardson, a first-round pick, is on injured reserve.

The Colts currently have only Brett Rypien on their practice squad, making Rivers a vital addition for the remainder of the season.

Rivers’ Accomplishments

Philip Rivers is a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. His signing with the Colts does not impact his eligibility for the Hall of Fame, as he will remain eligible unless he is moved to the active roster. If that occurs, his eligibility timeline would reset.

Previous Performance with the Colts

In 2020, Rivers led the Colts to an 11-5 record, guiding the team to the playoffs as an AFC wild card. He threw for 24 touchdown passes and completed 68% of his pass attempts during that season. No Colts quarterback since has averaged the impressive 253.3 passing yards that Rivers achieved.

Impact on the Colts’ Playoff Chances

The Colts currently hold an 8-5 record and are on the verge of the AFC playoff picture. They are just outside of the playoff contention, losing a tiebreaker to the Houston Texans. The remaining schedule includes crucial matchups against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.

The addition of Rivers could be the key to revitalizing the Colts’ season as they navigate injuries and seek a playoff berth. With his experience and knowledge of the offensive scheme, the team hopes to remain competitive in the playoff race.