The Indianapolis Colts have signed retired quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad following injuries to their starting and backup quarterbacks. After Daniel Jones sustained a torn right Achilles tendon in a recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, backup Riley Leonard reported to work with a knee injury, prompting the Colts to seek urgent solutions. Rivers, who turned 44 on the day of the announcement, could potentially play as early as this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
The decision to bring Rivers back, despite his retirement since 2020, reflects the urgency of the Colts’ situation. The team, currently 8-5, has lost four of its last five games and is facing a critical moment in its playoff hopes. Coach Shane Steichen indicated that the team needed a reliable option at quarterback, leading to discussions with Rivers, a close friend and former colleague.
Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, had previously enjoyed a successful stint with the Colts in the 2020 season, leading the team to a wild-card playoff berth. Despite being out of the league for over three years, he remains an attractive option due to his familiarity with the Colts’ system and his historical performance, including over 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdown passes in his career.
After Leonard’s injury was classified as “week-to-week,” Steichen reached out to Rivers, who was receptive to the idea of returning. This communication was not entirely out of the blue; informal discussions about Rivers’ potential return had occurred within the organization after Anthony Richardson, the team’s No. 4 draft pick, also faced injuries earlier in the season.
As the Colts weighed their options, they considered the slim pool of available quarterbacks. The urgency of the situation escalated given the impending playoff implications, driving the decision to bring back a player with Rivers’ extensive experience. “Options out there are slim,” one team source noted. “He knows the system, so why not?”
Rivers participated in a workout with the Colts that reportedly showcased his ability to throw effectively, impressing team officials who noted his arm strength appeared intact. “He can still spin it,” remarked one source, reinforcing the belief that Rivers still possesses the skills necessary to contribute to the team.
Despite his success, the decision to bring Rivers back does come with concerns, particularly regarding his game readiness and ability to evade defensive pressure. The Seahawks’ defensive line, which ranks fourth in the league with 41 sacks, poses a significant challenge for any quarterback, especially one who has not played in a competitive environment for several seasons.
With a formal practice scheduled for Wednesday, the Colts are looking to assess Rivers’ fitness and readiness for game action. How he performs in these sessions will determine his availability for the upcoming game against Seattle on December 10, 2023.
As the Colts navigate this tumultuous period, the signing of Rivers exemplifies their commitment to maintaining competitiveness and pursuing a playoff berth, showcasing their willingness to adapt in the face of adversity.
