Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers will reportedly make his first start since the 2021 playoffs this week against the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 44-year-old Rivers was signed to the Colts’ practice squad this week following Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury in Week 14. With backup Riley Leonard dealing with a knee injury, the door was opened for a reunion with the veteran quarterback, who spent his final NFL season in Indianapolis in 2020.
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Agreeing to come back nearly five years after his last NFL start — a Jan. 9, 2021 playoff game against the Buffalo Bills — was helped by the fact Rivers knows Colts head coach Shane Steichen from their days with the Chargers. When the idea of helping out the Colts was brought up, the veteran quarterback was brought in for a workout, and by Tuesday, he was fired up about the opportunity to play again.
“Dadgummit, let’s freaking go,” Rivers told Colts brass.
Philip Rivers, 44, has been coaching at St. Michael’s Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama since 2021. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
(Lance King via Getty Images)
After jumping out to an 8-2 start to the season, the Colts have dropped three in a row, putting their grip on a once secure-looking playoff spot in doubt. At 8-5, they are currently in a fight for both the AFC South title and a playoff spot. They sit tied with the Houston Texans for second in the division, one game behind the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars.
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As of Week 15, the Colts would be on the outside of the playoff picture with the Texans taking the last postseason spot in the AFC.
Rivers said earlier this week that he’s “not here to stinking save the year or be a hero by any means.” But if he could give them some competent quarterback play for the final few weeks of the regular season, the Colts could have a chance to snap a four-season playoff drought.
Rivers being signed to the Colts’ active roster also means that he will no longer be eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026. He will now be eligible again in 2031.
