Colts Turn to Philip Rivers in Stunning Move, But Anthony Richardson’s Future Still in Play
In a move that feels straight out of a football time machine, the Indianapolis Colts are reportedly bringing back 44-year-old Philip Rivers to help stabilize their season. Yes, you read that right - Rivers, who last threw an NFL pass in the 2020 playoffs, is set to return under center with the Colts’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
It’s a bold, eyebrow-raising decision for a franchise that’s spent the better part of the last decade searching for long-term stability at quarterback. And it naturally raises a few pressing questions - most notably, what does this mean for Anthony Richardson?
Let’s unpack this.
Why Rivers, and Why Now?
The Colts' quarterback situation has been a rollercoaster this season, and this latest twist is one nobody saw coming. Rivers, who retired after leading Indy to an 11-5 record in 2020, had settled into life as a high school football coach. Now, he’s being asked to step back into the fire, in a league that’s only gotten faster and more complex since he last suited up.
There’s no sugarcoating it - this is a high-risk, high-variance move. Rivers is a future Hall of Famer with a deep well of experience, but he’s also been out of the game for years.
The Colts clearly believe his leadership and game management can give them a better shot at making a late-season push. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen.
What About Anthony Richardson?
Now to the other side of this quarterback equation: Anthony Richardson.
Yes, the Colts did invest a top-four pick in Richardson not long ago, and no, they haven’t given up on him. Despite a rocky start to his NFL career - marked by flashes of promise, untimely injuries, and a steep learning curve - Richardson remains very much in the team’s long-term plans.
In fact, he was recently cleared to return to practice after recovering from a concerning eye injury that had sidelined him for weeks. The original prognosis had him potentially out through the end of the season, but he got the green light earlier than expected.
Richardson himself is clearly eager to get back:
"I need to be back on the field. I love playing football.
I've been doing it since I was 2. And it's just something I love doing.
I just love being here with my teammates. And originally, they told me I was going to have to wait until after the season to see how my eye healed up.
And luckily, I got clear this month and I just thank God for it. I'm ready to practice."
That’s not the voice of a player being phased out - that’s a young quarterback hungry to prove himself, still firmly engaged with the team and the process. The Colts appear to be taking a cautious approach with him, which makes sense. Eye injuries are no joke, and Richardson’s development is a long-term investment, not a short-term fix.
A Complicated Quarterback Picture
So where does this leave the Colts? Somewhere between desperation and patience.
Rivers gives them a veteran presence to lean on in the short term - someone who knows the system, knows how to manage a huddle, and can keep the offense functional while the rest of the team tries to stay afloat in a crowded AFC playoff race.
But Richardson still represents the future. He’s under contract, he’s back at practice, and the organization has every reason to see what they have in him once he’s fully healthy. There’s no indication that this Rivers move is anything more than a temporary bridge.
The NFL rarely offers clean storylines, and the Colts’ quarterback saga is no exception. But if Rivers can hold the line and Richardson continues to progress behind the scenes, this strange chapter might just set the stage for a smoother next act.
For now, Colts fans can buckle up for a wild finish - one that includes a familiar face under center and a young talent waiting in the wings.