In a series of unfortunate events, the Indianapolis Colts have fallen to a depleted quarterback room. Daniel Jones is out for the season with an Achilles tear, Anthony Richardson is still on IR with a broken orbital bone, and Riley Leonard now has a PCL strain. In what seems to be a “Hail Mary” move to save the season, the Colts called in 44-year-old Philip Rivers.
Go As the ‘Rivers’ Flow
Rivers’ possible return to the Colts was first reported late Monday (December 8, 2025) evening by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The news quickly stirred around the NFL world as it seemed to be unlikely that the return would actually happen. That was until the news broke on Tuesday (December 9, 2025) from Adam Schefter that Rivers will be signed to the Colts’ practice squad.
Rivers has already been part of the Colts organization. Back in 2020, Rivers led the Colts to the playoffs during the COVID-19 season. Ironically, that was the last time the Colts were in the playoffs. All in all, Rivers had a pretty good season in 2020. He had 4,169 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 97.0 QBR. Rivers also led the Colts to an 11-5 record and ultimately lost to the Bills in the first round of the playoffs.
Proven Winner
Given the question, “Can Philip Rivers save the Colts?” it’s not impossible. Rivers is a natural leader, competitor, and winner. He has a career record of 134-106, including a 5-7 playoff record. He never won a Super Bowl, but he may just be the best quarterback of all time to never win a Lombardi. Possibly one of Rivers’ most iconic career moments is playing the AFC Championship game in 2008 with a torn ACL.
The Colts are looking for someone to fill the hole that was left after the Daniel Jones injury. Now, whether or not Rivers can fill it physically on the field with his play is to be seen. However, the locker room presence of Philip Rivers will definitely boost morale. Even at 44 years old, there is no doubt that Rivers still has that competitive fire inside him. He coaches his sons’ high school football team, so the competitive edge is definitely there.
Doing What’s Asked
If Rivers wants to save the Colts, he just has to do what’s asked of him. The situation is similar to what Daniel Jones was asked to do. He doesn’t have to be Superman, but just run the offense the way it’s meant to be run. Rivers is familiar with the Colts’ offense. It was reported that he was in constant contact with head coach Shane Steichen. Rivers and Steichen are very familiar with each other, as Steichen was an offensive coach with the Chargers while Rivers was there. He will also still be operating with all the Colts’ offensive weapons, who have performed well all season.
The Colts switched up their practice plan for the rest of the week after announcing the signing. They were going to just have walkthroughs on Wednesday and full practice on Thursday and Friday. Now, they are rolling with a full practice all three days. Although they won’t come out and say it right now, this points to Rivers possibly starting on Sunday against the Seahawks.
The Colts are still well within the playoff picture. Realistically, it is a long shot that 44-year-old Philip Rivers can come and save the Colts’ season. But it is the NFL, and crazier things have happened in the past. If anyone can do it, why not Philip Rivers?
Main Image: JAMIE GERMANO/ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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