Indianapolis, IN – Philip Rivers, the veteran quarterback who initially retired after the 2020 season, was back in an NFL locker room on Monday, officially signing with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. The move comes as the Colts navigate a challenging quarterback situation, with injuries sidelining their top three signal-callers. The unexpected return of the 44-year-old Rivers has sparked excitement among fans and raised questions about his potential impact on the team’s playoff push.
Rivers’ decision to unretire and rejoin the Colts is a remarkable turn of events. He had previously spent one season in Indianapolis, leading the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth in 2020. While the Colts lost in the wild-card round to the Buffalo Bills 27-24, Rivers’ performance was widely praised and he appeared to be content with his decision to step away from the game. But, the current circumstances in Indianapolis have prompted a change of heart. According to reports, the Colts reached out to Rivers after injuries to Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew, and Sam Ehlinger left them in a precarious position at the quarterback position.
A Hall of Fame Semifinalist Answers the Call
The Indianapolis Colts are dealing with injuries to their top three quarterbacks all while trying to make a playoff push. Their solution? The Colts are signing a Hall of Fame semifinalist who hasn’t played in the league since the 2020 NFL season to try to bridge the gap at quarterback. The Colts are set to add veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad, per multiple reports. Rivers most recently played during the 2020 NFL season and helped lead the Colts to a postseason berth in what appeared to be his final NFL season.
Rivers’ return is particularly noteworthy given his age and the fact that he has been away from the game for five years. He is a Hall of Fame semifinalist, a testament to his impressive 18-year career, primarily spent with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. Throughout his career, Rivers established himself as one of the NFL’s most prolific passers, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in passing yards in 2010. He similarly shared the lead in passing touchdowns in 2008 and topped the league in passer rating and completion percentage in the same year. Philip Rivers’ career statistics are a testament to his longevity and consistency.
From Retirement to Grandfatherhood and Back
Since retiring, Rivers has transitioned into coaching, serving as the head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama since 2021. He has also embraced family life, becoming a grandfather. The prospect of returning to the NFL as a grandfather has added another layer of intrigue to his story. As USA Today reported, it’s not often that a grandfather gets a chance to play in the NFL.
His initial retirement followed a 2020 season where he completed 68% of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He led the Colts to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance, losing to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round. Rivers completed 27 of 46 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns in that playoff game.
What’s Next for Rivers and the Colts?
The immediate future for Rivers involves getting acclimated to the Colts’ current offensive system and preparing to contribute in any capacity needed. While he initially signed to the practice squad, the possibility of him being elevated to the active roster remains open, particularly if the injuries to the other quarterbacks persist. The Colts (8-5 as of December 9, 2025) are currently in playoff contention, and Rivers’ experience and leadership could prove invaluable down the stretch.
The Colts’ quarterback situation remains fluid, and the team will continue to evaluate its options as the season progresses. However, the addition of Rivers provides a veteran presence and a potential solution to a critical require. The Colts’ fans are eager to see if Rivers can orchestrate another playoff run in Indianapolis.
The Colts are set to add veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad, per multiple reports. Rivers most recently played during the 2020 NFL season and helped lead the Colts to a postseason berth in what appeared to be his final NFL season.
The return of Philip Rivers to the NFL is a captivating story, blending the allure of a seasoned veteran with the unexpected twist of an unretirement. As the Colts navigate their quarterback challenges, all eyes will be on Rivers to see if he can once again lead them to success. The situation is being closely monitored by sports analysts and fans alike, as the Colts attempt to secure a playoff spot. Sports Illustrated is covering the Colts’ quarterback situation closely.
The Colts will next face the Houston Texans on December 22nd. Updates on Rivers’ status and potential playing time will be provided by the team as they become available.
What do you suppose about Philip Rivers’ return to the NFL? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans!
