As every NFL fan knows, Philip Rivers has come out of retirement to join the Indianapolis Colts. Will this be a one-and-done season for the quarterback or could he return in 2026?
This is one of the most bizarre stories in sports history. Rivers is 44 years old and hasn’t played in five years. During his previous stint in the NFL (the 2020 season), he led the Colts to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.
Indianapolis lost to the Buffalo Bills 27-24 in the postseason that year. Rivers threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns during the game. His touchdown passes were to Jack Doyle and Zach Pascal. Neither player is currently on an NFL roster.
During the 2020 campaign, Rivers passed for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns. He then retired. The Colts haven’t made the playoffs since that year.
Rivers will now start in Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The eight-time Pro Bowler replaces Daniel Jones, who is out for the season with an Achilles injury.
Will Philip Rivers Return to the Colts in 2026?
Colts’ Potential QB Room in 2026
Anthony Richardson was expected to be the Colts’ starting quarterback this season. However, Daniel Jones beat him out for the job in training camp.
Jones signed with the team this past offseason. Considered a bust during his time with the New York Giants, he revived his career in Indianapolis. Jones teamed with Jonathan Taylor to lead the Colts to a 7-1 start this season.
But unfortunately, the team fell off the cliff. They’ve lost four of their last five games and now own an 8-5 record. Jones suffered the season-ending injury during the Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s unclear what the Colts’ quarterback room will look like next season. Jones will be a free agent this offseason and no one knows if he’ll be re-signed.
Will Richardson, who’s out with an orbital fracture, stick around in Indy? The fourth overall pick in 2023 has struggled mightily with injuries and could be traded this offseason to a quarterback-needy team.
Riley Leonard will more than likely still be on the roster in 2026. The rookie out of Notre Dame played well during the loss to Jacksonville. He has recently dealt with a knee injury, though.
Is a 2026 Return Realistic?
Phillip Rivers obviously hasn’t played a game this year. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs against Seattle’s great defense.
“On Sunday, Seattle likely will face off against the 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who will replace the injured (and previously thriving) Daniel Jones for Indianapolis. Rivers is a likely Hall of Famer, but his over-the-hill nature is unlikely to get the Colts over the hump. It’s another break for the Seahawks’ defense, which is second in the league in points allowed.”
Rivers might wind up saving the Colts’ season. Even if that isn’t the case, but he still plays well for the rest of the year, don’t rule out a return in 2026.
Main Image: Mark Konezny – USA TODAY Sports
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