Is the Philip Rivers Experiment Already Nearing Its End in Indianapolis?
When the Colts pulled Philip Rivers out of retirement just two weeks ago, the move felt like a bold, last-ditch swing to salvage a season teetering on the edge. But after two straight losses with Rivers under center-and five straight overall-Indianapolis is staring down the reality that the playoff dream might already be slipping away.
Monday night’s 48-27 loss to the 49ers wasn’t just another tally in the loss column. It was a gut-check.
The defense gave up nearly 50 points, the offense sputtered after a brief early spark, and by the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Riley Leonard was taking snaps. That’s not exactly the script you draw up when you bring a 44-year-old veteran out of retirement to steady the ship.
Rivers Still QB1-for Now
So what’s next? Officially, nothing’s changed.
Head coach Shane Steichen hasn’t made any announcements about a quarterback switch heading into Week 17. And unless he says otherwise, Rivers remains the starter.
That lines up with what Steichen said when Rivers was first signed: “We didn’t bring him in here to sit on the bench.” The Colts made it clear this wasn’t a ceremonial move.
They brought Rivers in to compete-maybe even to save the season. But after two games, the results haven’t exactly backed that vision.
Still, Steichen hasn’t wavered publicly. He’s called Rivers “excited for this challenge” and emphasized the week-to-week nature of the situation. But with time running out and the team’s postseason hopes hanging by a thread, the question becomes less about loyalty and more about logic.
Why a Switch Could Make Sense
Mathematically, the Colts are still alive. They’re two games behind Houston for the AFC’s final playoff spot, and they’ll face the Texans in Week 18. If they can somehow beat the Jaguars next week and Houston stumbles against the Chargers, that final game could become a win-and-in scenario.
But that’s a big “if.” And given how things have unraveled lately-Daniel Jones lost to an Achilles injury, five straight losses, and a defense that just gave up 48-it might be time for the Colts to think about 2026 instead of clinging to a long-shot playoff path.
Rivers has made it clear this is a one-season return. He’ll be back in retirement after this year, no matter what.
Meanwhile, the Colts are heading into an offseason where they’ll need to make a major decision at quarterback. Daniel Jones is a free agent.
Anthony Richardson is still recovering from a freak pregame orbital fracture. And Riley Leonard, the rookie out of Notre Dame, is the only healthy young QB on the active roster.
If the Colts want to use these final two games to get a clearer picture of what they have in Leonard-or even Richardson, if he’s cleared-it would make sense to make a change. Letting Rivers continue to take hits for a team that’s likely headed home in January? That’s a tough sell.
The Case for Keeping Rivers In
On the flip side, if the Colts are truly committed to chasing every possible playoff scenario, then sticking with Rivers might still be the move. His experience, poise, and leadership were the reasons he was brought in. If you’re going to try to beat Jacksonville next week and set up a meaningful finale against Houston, Rivers gives you the best chance-at least on paper.
But the Colts have to weigh that against the long-term value of giving Leonard or Richardson real reps in meaningful games. There’s no substitute for live action, especially when evaluating young quarterbacks. And right now, Indianapolis has two of them sitting behind a 44-year-old stopgap.
What’s Left on the Schedule
The road doesn’t get any easier. In Week 17, the Colts will host a red-hot Jaguars squad that just dismantled the Broncos. That’s followed by the potential Week 18 showdown in Houston.
If the Colts somehow pull off a win against Jacksonville and the Texans stumble, then everything changes. But if they lose next week, the playoff door slams shut-and the conversation around the quarterback position becomes even more urgent.
Colts Remaining Schedule:
- Week 17: vs.
Jaguars (Dec. 28)
- Week 18: at Texans (TBD)
Current QB Depth Chart
Here's how the Colts' quarterback room looks heading into the final stretch:
- Philip Rivers - The veteran starter, brought in for a short-term spark.
- Riley Leonard - Rookie from Notre Dame, the only healthy young QB.
- Anthony Richardson - Still recovering from an orbital fracture, status for return uncertain.
- Daniel Jones - Out for the year after a strong 2025 campaign.
Richardson has reportedly made progress in his recovery, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready in time. That leaves Leonard as the most likely candidate if the Colts decide to pivot from Rivers.
Leonard already has one full game under his belt this season-he stepped in after Jones’ injury against Jacksonville. It wasn’t a breakout performance, but he showed flashes: 145 passing yards, an interception, and a rushing touchdown. With two games left, giving him another shot might be the best way to prep for what’s next.
The Bottom Line
The Philip Rivers experiment was always a gamble. A high-upside, high-risk move meant to jolt a team still clinging to playoff hopes. But two games in, the Colts are no closer to the postseason, and the future at quarterback remains murky.
If Indianapolis is still chasing the dream, Rivers stays. But if the Colts start looking toward 2026, it might be time to turn the page-and see what the next generation has to offer.