Colts Rolling with Rivers in Week 16, Eyeing Playoff Push and Offensive Evolution
INDIANAPOLIS - Shane Steichen didn’t mince words when he addressed the quarterback situation on Monday. With three games left and the Colts clinging to playoff hopes, the message was loud and clear: Philip Rivers isn't here to hold a clipboard.
“We didn’t bring [Rivers] here to sit on the bench,” Steichen said during his weekly press conference.
And just like that, the 42-year-old quarterback is set to start again in Week 16, when the Colts host the 10-4 San Francisco 49ers under the Monday night lights at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Rivers, who came out of retirement for a late-season return, emerged from his first game back “clean,” according to Steichen. While the numbers from the loss to Seattle didn’t jump off the page, the Colts’ head coach was quick to praise the veteran for his poise and leadership in what was a tough road environment.
“For him to go out there and do what he did, put us in a position that he did in a hostile environment after that long of a layoff was pretty impressive,” Steichen said. “Getting us into the right plays, managing the game - I thought he was phenomenal in that regard. On the sidelines, with his leadership - all those things that he brings to the team - will be beneficial to our team.”
Now, let’s be honest: the Colts weren’t exactly airing it out in Seattle. Rivers completed just 2 of 8 passes on throws over 10 yards.
The offense managed only two plays that gained more than 15 yards, and their 3.7 yards per play marked a season low. Against a physical Seahawks defense, the Colts leaned into a conservative, clock-controlling approach - and Steichen made it clear that was by design.
“We wanted to run the ball, control the clock, take easy completions, and I thought we did a pretty good job of that,” Steichen explained. “Philip did a hell of a job managing that game plan. That was the plan going into it.”
But make no mistake: Steichen sees more verticality ahead for this offense.
“Absolutely, for sure,” he said when asked if the offense will open up more down the stretch. “Each game plan will be different.
Obviously, this week is a new challenge, new opportunity for us. And obviously the game plan will switch on how we have to try and win this football game.”
That new challenge comes in the form of a 49ers defense that ranks among the league’s best - a unit that thrives on pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes. If Rivers and the Colts want to stay in the playoff hunt, they’ll need to find a way to stretch the field and generate chunk plays, something that’s been missing in recent weeks.
Richardson Making Progress, But Still Sidelined
As for Anthony Richardson Sr., the rookie quarterback is making strides in his recovery from the orbital fracture he suffered back in mid-October. Steichen confirmed that Richardson has been cleared from an eye-health standpoint, but a return to practice - let alone game action - remains uncertain.
“He’s cleared from the eye standpoint, but we’re just starting to work him back into the physical activity of everything,” Steichen said. “The determination for him to return [to practice], we’ll be working through that.”
Richardson hasn’t practiced since October 12, two days before suffering the injury. He underwent surgery the following week. Last week marked a small but meaningful step forward, as he was seen on the field wearing rec specs and taking mental reps during practice.
The Colts are expected to discuss this week whether to start his 21-day practice window - a move that would open the door for a potential return before the season ends. But for now, Rivers remains the guy.
Injury Updates: Raimann, Buckner, Gardner All Question Marks
Up front, the Colts are dealing with more shuffling on the offensive line. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann exited Sunday’s game with an elbow injury and didn’t return. While he did make it back to the sideline with a wrap on his right arm, his status for Monday night remains up in the air.
“We’ll see how the week goes,” Steichen said.
With Braden Smith already on injured reserve due to a neck/concussion issue, the Colts are thin at tackle. Rookie Jalen Travis started on the right side, while Luke Tenuta - who hadn’t played an NFL snap since 2022 - filled in for Raimann on the left.
On defense, Indy is hopeful to get some reinforcements back. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner returned to practice last week for the first time in a month and could be in line to return against his former team. Cornerback Sauce Gardner, who’s been sidelined with a calf injury since November 30, has yet to practice but remains a potential return candidate as well.
Playoff Picture: Colts Still in the Hunt
Despite the loss in Seattle, the Colts’ postseason hopes are still alive. If they can take two of their final three games - vs. the 49ers, vs. the Jaguars, and at Houston - they’ll have a legitimate shot at sneaking into the playoffs.
That makes every rep, every adjustment, and every decision from here on out matter just a little more.
With Monday Night Football on deck, the Colts will shift their weekly schedule back a day. Practices are set for Thursday through Saturday before hosting San Francisco in what could be a season-defining matchup.
Rivers is back. The playoff race is heating up. And for the Colts, the margin for error is razor thin - but the opportunity is still very real.