Philip Rivers Nearly Pulls Off the Comeback, But Colts Fall Short-and Richardson Might Be Ready
Philip Rivers wasn’t supposed to be back under center in 2025. Yet, there he was on Sunday, 44 years old, helmet on, barking out signals like it was 2010 all over again.
Just days after coming out of retirement to help a Colts team ravaged by quarterback injuries, Rivers nearly pulled off the improbable-leading Indianapolis to a win over the Seahawks. The Colts came up just short, falling 18-16, but Rivers showed that even after a multi-year layoff, he still has some gas left in the tank.
Let’s be clear: Rivers hadn’t played an NFL snap since the 2020 season. He had less than a week of practice before being thrown into live action.
And yet, he looked like a guy who still understands how to run an NFL offense. Sure, the arm strength isn’t what it once was, and the mobility was never his calling card, but the football IQ, the quick release, the ability to read a defense-that was all still there.
He managed the game, made smart decisions, and kept the Colts in it right down to the wire.
But just as quickly as this comeback story began, it might be coming to an end.
On Monday, Anthony Richardson was medically cleared to return from the orbital fracture he suffered back on October 12. That’s a big development for a Colts team still fighting for a playoff spot with three games left on the schedule.
Richardson, the high-upside quarterback the Colts drafted to be their future, hasn’t started a game all season. Daniel Jones, acquired in the offseason, had been holding down the QB1 role before the injury carousel opened the door for Rivers.
Now, with Richardson back in the mix and the postseason still within reach, Indianapolis has a decision to make. Do they ride the veteran savvy of Rivers for another week or two, or turn to the young, athletic quarterback they hoped would be the face of the franchise?
The timing couldn’t be more critical. The Colts close out the regular season with a gauntlet: the 49ers, Jaguars, and Texans-all playoff-caliber teams with something to play for.
Every snap matters. Every decision could swing the AFC playoff picture.
If Richardson is healthy enough to start, it would mark his first action of the year-and what a time to debut. The Colts are in win-now mode, and while Rivers brought a steady hand in a pinch, the coaching staff may see Richardson as the spark they need to get over the hump.
So here we are, in mid-December 2025, talking about a potential quarterback switch from Philip Rivers to Anthony Richardson. Not exactly how anyone drew it up back in training camp, but that’s the NFL for you.
Unscripted. Unpredictable.
And always compelling.
The Colts still have everything to play for. Whether it’s the veteran who came off the couch or the young gun finally ready to take the reins, the next few weeks will define their season.