The Colts are turning back the clock-and maybe, just maybe, reigniting a spark from a not-so-distant past. On Wednesday, Indianapolis officially signed quarterback Philip Rivers to the practice squad, a move that’s as surprising as it is intriguing for a team navigating a quarterback room riddled with injuries.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a nostalgic reunion. It’s a calculated decision born out of necessity.
With Daniel Jones on injured reserve due to an Achilles injury and Riley Leonard’s status for Sunday against Seattle still uncertain as he works through a knee issue, the Colts are running thin at the game’s most important position. Add in the fact that Anthony Richardson remains on IR, and suddenly the door swings wide open for a familiar face to walk through.
That face belongs to Rivers, who last suited up for Indianapolis in 2020-a season that also happens to mark the last time the Colts made the playoffs. That year, Rivers started all 16 games, guiding the team to an 11-5 record while completing 68% of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. It wasn’t just a solid campaign; it was the kind of veteran leadership and steady hand that helped stabilize a young, talented roster.
Now, at 43 years old, Rivers is back in the building. And while questions naturally swirl about how much he has left in the tank physically, there’s no doubt about his mental readiness.
This is an offense he knows inside and out. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted, the question isn’t whether Rivers can grasp the playbook-it’s whether his body can still keep up with the demands of the position after nearly five years away from the game.
Rivers, of course, is no stranger to defying expectations. The fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft, he carved out a storied career that includes eight Pro Bowl selections and the 2013 Comeback Player of the Year award. He’s currently a semifinalist for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, a testament to his longevity and production during a career that saw him become one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.
This move doesn’t guarantee Rivers will see the field, but it does open the door to one of the more compelling late-season storylines in recent memory. If he’s able to shake off the rust and prove he’s still got something left, the Colts might have just added a battle-tested leader at the most critical moment of their season.
For now, all eyes turn to practice. If Rivers looks sharp on Wednesday and Thursday, don’t be surprised if the Colts make a bold call.
After all, this is a team that’s already shown it’s willing to get creative to stay in the playoff hunt. And with Rivers, they’re not just getting a quarterback-they’re getting a potential spark, a steadying presence, and a shot of veteran savvy when they need it most.