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Indianapolis Colts News & Rumors

Colts, QB Philip Rivers Agree To Deal

December 9th, 2025 at 11:06pm CST by Adam La Rose

After a successful workout, Philip Rivers has lined up an unexpected comeback. The 44-year-old quarterback is set to finish the 2025 season with the Colts.

Team and player agreed to a practice squad deal on Tuesday, as first reported by Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Indianapolis thus has an experienced (to say the least) option at the quarterback spot as the team looks to reach the playoffs. This move comes in the aftermath of Daniel Jones suffering an Achilles tear.

[RELATED: Riley Leonard Injury Could Move Rivers To Week 15 Start]

Rivers’ workout took place last night, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes. He adds things went well, which has of course been confirmed by today’s signing. As the Colts plan their immediate future under center, they could find themselves relying on a passer whose last NFL game was played on January 9, 2021 relatively soon. Of course, that final Rivers contest came as a member of the Colts.

Following a storied Chargers career (which included time spent with current Colts head coach Shane Steichen), the eight-time Pro Bowler played his last NFL campaign with Indianapolis. That 2020 season produced a record of 11-5 and it marked the last time the Colts made the playoffs. If another postseason berth is to be possible this time around, Rivers could find himself playing a part.

Jones – added this past spring on a one-year free agent deal – enjoyed career highs in several categories prior to going down. A long-term Colts commitment may well have been on the horizon, but as his attention turns to recovery it remains to be seen if that will still come to bear. Meanwhile, backup Anthony Richardson is still on IR as he continues to deal with an orbital bone fracture. This Rivers signing is a strong indication Indianapolis feels Richardson will not be cleared to return any time soon.

That leaves Leonard and practice squad veteran Brett Rypien as the Colts’ other QB options. The team could stick with Leonard for at least one start, but with a record of 8-5 there is little (if any) margin for losses over the final month of the season. Deciding Rivers – who is now a grandfather – is the best path to a playoff berth would certainly represent an interesting choice on the part of Indianapolis. At a minimum, he will make for a notable taxi squad addition.

Whether or not the former NFL passing leader finds his way onto the active roster will be worth monitoring for a number of reasons. Rivers is currently in his first year of eligibility for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he is among the 26 semifinalists for the 2026 class. As Rapoport notes, that will not change if Rivers remains on the practice squad. Should a promotion to the active roster take place, however, his five-year waiting period for HOF eligibility will reset. That will be the case regardless of if Rivers sees any playing time or not.

The Colts face a daunting schedule over the final stretch, with games remaining against the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars and Texans. Finding offensive success against each of those opponents will be challenging, but a comeback attempt from an unlikely passer could become part of Indianapolis’ 2025 season.

Colts Contacted Derek Carr During Quarterback Search

December 9th, 2025 at 11:04pm CST by Connor Byrne

In the wake of Daniel Jones‘ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 14, the Colts stunningly lured 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement on Tuesday. The Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist wasn’t the only retired signal-caller the Colts showed interest in signing. The team also contacted Derek Carr, Armando Salguero of OutKick reports.

At 34, Carr would have given the Colts a much younger option than Rivers. Carr also isn’t nearly as far removed from playing in the NFL as Rivers, who hung it up after the 2020 season. Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, started in all 10 of his appearances with the Saints last year.

While battling a debilitating shoulder injury, Carr decided to call it a career in May. The Saints announced then that Carr had “significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.”

Seven months later, it’s unclear if Carr is even healthy enough to resume his career. However, as of September, Carr hadn’t closed the door on a potential NFL return. At least two teams have mulled adding him this year. Before acquiring Joe Flacco from the Browns in early October, the Bengals considered Carr as a potential substitute for the then-injured Joe Burrow.

With the Nov. 4 trade deadline still weeks away at the time, the Bengals could have swung a deal with New Orleans for Carr. The fact that the deadline has passed and the Saints still own Carr’s rights complicates matters. Even if Carr is motivated to play, he can’t sign with the Colts or anyone else unless the Saints release him from the reserve/retired list. Cutting Carr at this stage of the season would subject him to waivers. The Colts wouldn’t have first dibs on Carr in that scenario.

Carr to the Colts will go down as an interesting what-if. Should the Colts elevate Rivers from their practice squad, it would make them one of the league’s most fascinating teams to watch down the stretch. Having fallen to 8-5 since a 7-1 start, the Colts are now sitting outside of the AFC playoff picture after a brief run as the top seed in the conference.

With Jones and backups Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard all injured, Rivers may step in for part or all of an intimidating four-game stretch. The Colts’ remaining foes – the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars, and Texans – have gone a combined 36-16 this season. All hold playoff spots at the moment, and the Colts are looking up at the Jaguars (9-4) and Texans (8-5) in the AFC South.

Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order

December 9th, 2025 at 11:02pm CST by Adam La Rose

Week 14’s action brought about a few notable updates to the standings at both ends of the NFL’s conferences. Another four teams are officially out of playoff contention, while wins by Tennessee and New Orleans could prove to be rather important once the campaign has ended.

The Jets, Browns, Falcons and Commanders were eliminated from the postseason through the results of recent days. Of course, each of those teams have been out of the running for a playoff push for some time now. Still, that group will be worth watching closely over the closing four weeks of the season as the top-10 order for Day 1 of the draft gradually comes into focus.

Uncertainty regarding the quarterback class of 2026 will no doubt remain a talking point over the coming months. Fernando Mendoza strengthened his case to be QB1 in April’s draft, although it remains to be seen if other top signal-callers like Dante Moore and Ty Simpson will turn pro or elect to remain in school for one more season. Decisions on those fronts will be central storylines carrying significant implications for the teams near the top of the order which find themselves in need of a quarterback investment.

For non-playoff teams, the draft order is determined by the inverted 2025 standings plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. Playoff squads are slotted by their postseason outcome and the reverse order of their regular season record.

Here is an updated look at the first-round order:

  1. New York Giants (2-11)
  2. Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
  3. Tennessee Titans (2-11)
  4. Cleveland Browns (3-10)
  5. New Orleans Saints (3-10)
  6. Washington Commanders (3-10)
  7. New York Jets (3-10)
  8. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
  9. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
  10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
  11. Minnesota Vikings (5-8)
  12. Miami Dolphins (6-7)
  13. Baltimore Ravens (6-7)
  14. Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
  15. Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
  16. Carolina Panthers (7-6)
  17. Detroit Lions (8-5)
  18. New York Jets (via Colts)
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
  20. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
  21. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5)
  22. Houston Texans (8-5)
  23. Chicago Bears (9-4)
  24. Buffalo Bills (9-4)
  25. Los Angeles Chargers (9-4)
  26. San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
  27. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
  28. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
  29. Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
  30. New England Patriots (11-2)
  31. Los Angeles Rams (10-3)
  32. Denver Broncos (11-2)

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/9/25

December 9th, 2025 at 11:01pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

  • Signed: LB K.C. Ossai

Minnesota Vikings

New York Giants

New York Jets

Tennessee Titans

  • Signed: LB Nate Lynn, TE Cole Turner
  • Placed on IR: TE Joel Wilson

Washington Commanders

Giants punter Jamie Gillan is dealing with an injury, so they brought in several punters to try out on Tuesday. Johnston emerged as the best of the group and will be on hand for punting duties in Week 15 if Gillan is not healthy enough to play.

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/9/25

December 9th, 2025 at 9:13pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:

Cleveland Browns

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Rams

Las Vegas Raiders

Philadelphia Eagles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jones was waived by the Chargers on Monday and quickly found himself joining one of the NFL’s best defenses in Houston. The Texans recently lost Tim Settle to a season-ending injury, so Jones will help fill his snaps in the defensive line rotation.

Riley Leonard Dealing With PCL Sprain, ‘Very Real Chance’ Philip Rivers Starts For Colts

December 9th, 2025 at 8:31pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Colts’ quarterback situation remains in flux after a season-ending injury to quarterback Daniel Jones.

Riley Leonard, who finished Sunday’s game, is dealing with a Grade 1 PCL sprain, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. His status will be updated on Wednesday when the Colts release their first injury report of Week 15. That could position Philip Rivers to start within a week of re-signing in Indianapolis.

With Leonard considered day-to-day, there is a “very real chance” that Rivers starts for Indianapolis in Week 15, Rapoport added later in the day. His Monday night workout showed that he still can pass the football, but his conditioning may not be game-ready quiet yet, according to ESPN’s Eric Holder.

The Colts may have been planning to bring Rivers in regardless of Leonard’s injury, but it certainly has raised the urgency for the team to add another quarterback, especially one that could come in and play right away. Rivers is very familiar with Colts head coach Shane Steichen after spending six seasons together with the Chargers. Steichen was the team’s quarterbacks coach for four years while Rivers was the starter. Their relationship played a role in this latest reunion, per Holder.

And despite not playing in the last few years, Rivers still has a deep understanding of the Colts’ offensive scheme. After retiring, he took over as the head football coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. He has been running a version of Steichen’s offense, per CBS Sports’ J.J. Watt, with the two discussing it weekly.

This is not the only time that Rivers has considered coming out of retirement with other quarterback situations occasionally stirring some conversations, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, but none have ever made enough sense to actually pull the trigger. His past relationship with Steichen and the Colts clearly make this a different situation.

Rivers will have a short week to get into playing shape and build chemistry with his new teammates, though he has already played with a few. Left guard Quenton Nelson and right tackle Braden Smith blocked for Rivers in 2020; also in that offense were then-rookies Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman.

Colts To Host QB Philip Rivers

December 8th, 2025 at 10:58pm CST by Ben Levine

In the wake of Daniel Jones‘ season-ending Achilles injury, the Colts are hoping to keep their once-promising season afloat. As the organization looks to fill the gaping hole under center, they’re turning to a familiar face as a potential answer.

[RELATED: Colts QB Daniel Jones Suffers Achilles Tear]

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Colts will host Philip Rivers for a visit tomorrow. Ian Rapoport adds that Rivers would be considered for a practice squad gig, and for the time being, Riley Leonard will be Indy’s QB1. ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that while the Colts are interested in seeing what kind of shape Rivers is in, the QB is still determining whether he’d even want to come back and play. At the very least, Rivers is intrigued enough to travel to Indianapolis for a workout. For what it’s worth, Dianna Russini of The Athletic says the Colts currently don’t have plans to bring any other quarterback in for a workout.

If you’re keeping track at home, it’s been a bit since Rivers has been on our radar. The long-time QB made his last NFL appearance during the 2020 season, when he started all 16 games for the Colts. He was still plenty serviceable during that age-39 campaign, as Rivers guided his squad to an 11-5 record while completing 68 percent of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He added another two touchdowns in Indy’s playoff loss to the Bills.

Rivers subsequently announced his retirement, but he’s still resurfaced as a potential option for QB-needy teams in recent years. He was open to joining the Saints late during the 2021 campaign, and the Colts also considered a reunion that season. There was even a chance Rivers made his comeback during Super Bowl LVII; the 49ers admitted that he was their top choice had they made it to the game (all of Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Brock Purdy, and Josh Johnson would have been sidelined). Rivers didn’t end up joining any of those squads, and he’s spent the past few years coaching high school football in Alabama. He seemed to put talks of a comeback to a rest this past summer when he inked a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Chargers.

Now, that long-awaited comeback may actually come to fruition with his last NFL team. Jones’ season came to an end yesterday, leaving the organization scrambling at the position. Anthony Richardson is uncertain to return this year, meaning the team may have no choice but to roll with Leonard. Even then, the sixth-round rookie is nursing his own knee injury (per ESPN’s Stephen Holder), potentially leaving Brett Rypien as the only healthy option in the organization.

Now 44 years old (today is actually his birthday), Rivers would certainly be an interesting choice to save the Colts once-promising season. The fourth-overall pick in the 2004 draft, Rivers helped guide the Chargers to six playoff appearances during his tenure with the organization. Only one of those appearances resulted in a significant run (when the Chargers lost to the Patriots in the 2007 conference championship), but Rivers did tally five playoff wins during his time with the team. He would represent the polar opposite to Leonard, who attempted only a pair of pass attempts before being forced into the lineup yesterday.

Considering his long layoff from the sport, Rivers probably wouldn’t even be considered if it wasn’t for his relationship with Colts head coach Shane Steichen. The two had a long stint working alongside each other during their respective stints with the Chargers. Steichen worked his way up to QBs coach in 2016, a role he held for three-plus seasons before earning a promotion to offensive coordinator.

To put this potential move in perspective: Rivers is currently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His potential comeback would surely add an unexpected wrinkle to that endeavor.

Colts QB Daniel Jones Suffers Achilles Tear

December 8th, 2025 at 12:37pm CST by Adam La Rose

By the end of last night, it was widely expected testing on Daniel Jones would confirm he suffered an Achilles tear. To no surprise, that has proven to be the case.

An MRI has now been completed, and veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports Jones has indeed torn his Achilles. Today’s confirmation means surgery will be required as Jones turn his attention to 2026. As a pending free agent, his situation could now become complicated compared to where things previously stood. Surgery will take place within the next week, per head coach Shane Steichen (via ESPN’s Stephen Holder).

Jones enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, helping lead the Colts to a 7-1 record. The free agent signing played a key role in that success, and it appeared as though he was setting himself up for a notable payday from the Colts. Things have taken a major turn since then, however, with Indianapolis’ playoff chances taking several hits in recent weeks. Jones will need to focus on recovering as the Colts contemplate how to proceed under center.

Team and player have not yet conducted serious contract negotiations. Jones signed for a base value of $14MM (with nearly all of that figure guaranteed) to join the Colts in March, but he was in store for a substantial raise provided he managed to continue his level of play through December. Already dealing with a fractured fibula, the former No. 6 pick was unable to do so, suffering his Achilles tear in the form of a non-contact injury. Even if Jones can suit up for the start of next season, this will no doubt alter his financial situation.

The Colts are also without backup quarterback Anthony Richardson as he continues to reside on IR. The team is unsure whether or not a return will be possible this season. As such, it will be sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard leading the way for the final four games of the campaign. Indianapolis’ loss yesterday dropped the team to 8-5 on the year.

After holding a comfortable lead in the AFC South, therefore, the Colts now occupy the No. 7 seed in the conference. A fall out of the playoffs altogether would not surprise many given the team’s injury situation. Regardless of what happens on that front, Jones’ surgery and his subsequent rehab process will be a major storyline through the offseason.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson Uncertain To Return In 2025

December 8th, 2025 at 12:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

With Daniel Jones suffering what has widely been reported as an Achilles tear yesterday, the Colts are set to rely on other options under center. It is unclear if the team’s backup from early in the season will be one of them.

Anthony Richardson suffered an orbital bone fracture during warmups in October. That led to an injured reserve stint, one which has continued without any clear signs of when it will end. The Colts have left the door open to Richardson returning to action late in the campaign, but there is still nothing imminent on that front.

The former No. 4 pick was not able to take part in football activities last week, as noted by Fox59’s Mike Chappell. Meanwhile, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports Richardson remains sidelined at this point. He adds the Colts are still unsure of whether or not a return at any point this season will be possible. If Richardson does not return to practice, he will close out the campaign on IR.

That would deal another blow to the 23-year-old’s value, something which has steadily sunk since his arrival in the NFL. Richardson’s Indianapolis future is unclear, and the possibility of a trade allowing for a fresh start has been raised. Of course, the Colts appeared to be positioned for a long-term Jones commitment before his injury took place. It will be interesting to see if the team’s QB planning changes moving forward.

In the meantime, Riley Leonard is set to receive his first NFL start next week. The Colts have dropped to 8-5, and their playoff chances will now hinge in large part on the sixth-round rookie’s ability to guide the offense successfully. Brett Rypien resides on the practice squad, and he can be expected to sign to Indianapolis’ active roster in the near future. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports points to a quarterback acquisition being likely (video link). He names Sam Ehlinger – who began his career with the Colts and is currently with the Broncos – as a target on that front.

Richardson would be tasked with handling QB1 duties in the event he were to return for any or all of the Colts’ remaining four games. As things stand, however, it does not appear as though he will be able to do so.

Colts QB Daniel Jones Suffers Achilles Injury

December 7th, 2025 at 10:24pm CST by Adam La Rose

10:24pm: Adam Schefter of ESPN reported tonight that Jones will undergo surgery for his torn Achilles tendon, seemingly confirming the diagnosis of the Colts starter before the team’s official announcement. It’s a tough break for the resurgent quarterback, who had been in the midst of perhaps the strongest season of his career. It could be a tougher break for the Colts as, with Jones and Richardson on IR, the team will now attempt to move forward this season with Leonard as QB1.

Mike Chappell of FOX59/CBS4 Sports attempted to take a bit of wind out from Schefter’s sails following his breaking post on X. Chappell offered to “clear” things up, emphasizing that the situation is still just a “fear” of injury and potential surgery at the moment, and official confirmation won’t be available until Monday morning.

4:52pm: When speaking after the game, Colts head coach Shane Steichen said (via James Boyd of The Athletic) the injury “could” be season-ending but did not confirm if the worst-case scenario has taken place. On that note, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio also reports a tear is the situation in this case. Once testing ocurs, it will certainly come as no surprise if/when that diagnosis is confirmed.

2:37pm: Things have gone from bad to worse for Daniel Jones and the Colts. Indianapolis’ starting quarterback suffered a non-contact injury (video link) during the team’s game against the Jaguars.

Jones’ reaction has led to concerns he suffered a major injury. Indeed, Outkick’s Armando Salguero reports a tear is feared to have occurred. In any event, Jones has been ruled out for the remainder of the game.

In recent weeks, the free agent addition has been dealing with a fibula injury which was reported to be a fracture. No confirmation emerged on that front, but Jones’ health and mobility was already a talking point leading up to Sunday. In the event of something like a calf strain, missed time would be in store. Of course, an Achilles tear would represent the worst-case scenario and end his season.

After seeing his Giants tenure end and departing the Vikings on the open market, Jones faced tempered expectations for 2025. The former No. 6 pick did not surprise many by winning a competition with Anthony Richardson given the fact much of his $14MM in compensation was guaranteed in full. Nevertheless, Jones’ strong start helped power to the Colts to a 7-1 record. Doing so set him up for a major raise on a second Colts contract or one worked out in free agency this spring.

Indianapolis parted with a pair of first-round picks at the trade deadline to acquire Sauce Gardner. That signaled a desire to commit to Jones and the other members of the Colts’ core. An offer on a long-term pact is expected, although no talks on that front have taken place yet. Needless to say, a major Jones injury would make a massive impact on the financial situation in this case.

With Richardson still on injured reserve, rookie Riley Leonard has taken over QB duties for the Colts. The sixth-rounder had only made one appearance prior to today, making two pass attempts. For now, at least, it will be Leonard counted on to lead the team’s offense. If that remains the case down the stretch, Indianapolis’ chances of winning a division it was once firmly in control of will be dealt a massive blow.

The Colts entered today sitting at 8-4 after losing three of their last four games. The team’s outlook will hinge in very large part on Jones’ diagnosis. Likewise, his future will be greatly impacted by any significant injury if one is to be confirmed by further testing.

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