The Indianapolis Colts are exploring a significant option in response to their quarterback injuries. The team has scheduled a workout for retired quarterback Philip Rivers, who is now 44 years old. This move comes as the Colts strive to remain competitive in the playoff race.
Philip Rivers: A Potential Addition to the Practice Squad
According to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network, the Colts aim to assess Rivers’ readiness for joining their practice squad. Rivers last played in 2020, serving a single season with the Colts after a prominent 16-year tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Current QB Situation
The Colts’ desperation for quarterback support has intensified following a season-ending Achilles injury to Daniel Jones. They are currently looking at rookie Riley Leonard as the starting quarterback for Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Leonard is also contending with a knee injury.
Rivers’ Career Highlights
- Eight-time Pro Bowler
- Career passing yards: 63,440
- Career touchdowns: 421
- Career interceptions: 208
- 2020 season record with Colts: 11-5
- Passing yards in 2020: 4,169
- Touchdowns in 2020: 24
- Interceptions in 2020: 11
Rivers shares a notable history with Colts head coach Shane Steichen. The two previously worked together when Steichen acted as the quarterbacks coach from 2016 to 2019.
Future Considerations
As reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Rivers nearly returned to the NFL in 2023. San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan viewed him as a contingency in case the team faced a quarterback shortage during a Super Bowl run.
Should Rivers maintain his retirement status, he is eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026. His potential return to the Colts raises questions about the team’s direction and their immediate playoff aspirations.
