Phillip Rivers Returns? Colts Sign 44-Year-Old QB to Practice Squad Amid Wild Season Twist
Let’s be honest-if someone had told you back in August that Daniel Jones would be lighting it up as the Colts’ starting quarterback, you probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. Maybe both.
But if that same person followed it up by saying that Jones would go down with a season-ending injury, and then the Colts would turn to 44-year-old Phillip Rivers as a potential starter? That’s the kind of prediction that gets laughed out of the room.
And yet, here we are.
The Colts have officially signed Rivers to their practice squad, setting the stage for one of the most unexpected comebacks in recent NFL memory. The longtime Chargers quarterback, who hasn’t taken a snap since the 2020 season, is now back in the building-helmet in hand, ready to help guide Indy through the playoff push.
From High School Coach to NFL Quarterback (Again)
Rivers has spent the last few years coaching high school football in Alabama, and by all accounts, he’s loved it. But the competitive fire never really left. Now, with the Colts in desperate need of a steady hand under center, they’re turning to a veteran who knows the league inside and out-even if he hasn’t worn pads in nearly five seasons.
This isn’t the first time Rivers’ name has come up in emergency QB conversations. He’s flirted with a return before, but this time, it’s real.
The Colts are in the thick of a playoff race and still have a shot at reclaiming the AFC South from the Jaguars. With Jones out, their quarterback options were limited-and Rivers, despite the time away, brings experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game.
A Surreal Twist in a Wild Colts Season
The Colts’ 2025 campaign has already been a rollercoaster. Jones, after arriving in Indianapolis with modest expectations, played some of the best football of his career before his injury. His resurgence gave the offense life and helped keep Indy in the playoff picture.
Now, the baton might be passed to Rivers, who last played for the Colts in 2020 and led them to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. The idea that he could return five years later to do it all over again? It’s the kind of storyline that feels like it belongs in a movie script, not an NFL season.
Patriots Legends Can’t Help but Weigh In
Of course, any time the Colts make headlines-especially in bizarre fashion-you can count on a few familiar voices from New England to chime in.
Julian Edelman’s podcast Games with Names wasted no time poking fun at the situation. Their social media team posted a meme that’ll hit home for Patriots fans, featuring a mock banner for the Colts to hang alongside their infamous “AFC Finalist” banner. It was classic Patriots humor-sharp, sarcastic, and aimed squarely at a franchise that’s been a long-time rival.
The jab harkens back to the never-ending ripple effects of the Deflategate saga, a controversy that still fuels the fire between these two franchises. And while Rob Gronkowski hasn’t chimed in just yet, don’t be surprised if his Dudes on Dudes podcast joins the fun. Gronk has never been shy about his disdain for the Colts, and this storyline practically writes itself.
What Comes Next
For now, Rivers is on the practice squad, but make no mistake-if he’s signed to the active roster, he could very well see the field before the season’s over. The Colts are still in the hunt, and if Rivers can shake off the rust, he might just give them the veteran presence they need to steady the ship.
It’s a long shot, sure. But then again, so was this entire situation.
And in a season that’s already delivered its fair share of twists, turns, and unexpected comebacks, maybe Phillip Rivers stepping back onto an NFL field at 44 isn’t so crazy after all.