Philip Rivers really is coming back. The 44-year-old quarterback, who last threw an NFL pass in the Colts' playoff loss to Buffalo in 2020, is signing with Indianapolis' practice squad after a Monday night workout, per multiple reports.
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The team wanted to see if he had anything left. Turns out he still spins it well enough to earn a contract.
Rivers has been coaching high school football in Alabama and became a grandfather this year, but the Colts' quarterback room has collapsed so quickly that calling him made too much sense.
Coach Shane Steichen knows the veteran well. Steichen coached Rivers with the Chargers and helped guide that late career resurgence.
Indianapolis needs bodies. Backup Anthony Richardson is already out after a freak pregame orbital fracture. Daniel Jones tore his Achilles on Sunday. Riley Leonard stepped in, hurt his knee, and might not be available for Week fifteen. Brett Rypien is the only healthy quarterback on the roster.
So here comes Rivers, back where he ended his career, ready to try to save a playoff push. The Colts are eight and five and facing a trip to Seattle. It is unclear if Rivers will be active for that game, but the mere possibility is remarkable.
There is also a Hall of Fame wrinkle. Rivers is a semifinalist for the class of 2026. If he takes a snap for the Colts, the clock resets and his candidacy gets pushed down the road.
For now, though, the comeback is official. The Colts needed help. Rivers answered.
