The Colts have made it official: Philip Rivers will be under center once again in Week 16 when Indianapolis takes on the San Francisco 49ers in primetime. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the decision on Monday, and honestly, it was never really in doubt.
Rivers, who just made his 2025 season debut on Sunday, is back in the fold as the Colts continue to chase a playoff spot. Despite a tough loss to the Seahawks, Indianapolis is clearly banking on the veteran’s leadership and experience to steady the ship down the stretch.
Let’s be clear - Rivers didn’t light it up in his return. He went 18-of-27 for 120 yards, tossing one touchdown and one interception.
Not a stat line that jumps off the page, but also not unexpected for a quarterback shaking off the rust after a long layoff. What mattered more was how he managed the offense and kept the Colts in the game against a tough Seattle squad.
But the real headline from Sunday wasn’t Rivers - it was the Colts’ defense. That unit came to play, holding a high-powered Seahawks offense in check and giving Indy a legitimate shot to pull off the win.
The defense kept things close, and all things considered, Rivers did enough to keep the offense on schedule. It wasn’t pretty, but it was functional.
Now, as the Colts prepare to face the 49ers on Monday Night Football, the decision to stick with Rivers makes sense. He gives them the best shot at staying competitive while they navigate a critical stretch of the season.
Meanwhile, there’s some movement on the Anthony Richardson front. The rookie quarterback has been medically cleared after suffering an orbital bone fracture back in October. That’s a big step forward, but don’t expect to see him back on the field just yet.
“We’re just starting to work him back into the physical activity (part) of everything,” Steichen said. In other words, Richardson is ramping up, but he’s still a few weeks away from being game-ready. After such a significant injury and extended time off, the team is understandably being cautious with his return.
So for now, it’s Rivers’ show - and with the playoffs still within reach, the Colts are hoping the veteran can deliver just enough to keep that hope alive.