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.
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 sixth-round rookie Riley 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.
This is the wildest thing to happen in my Twitter timeline since trump 2016 win.
If he was willing to do this how is the Colts 5 years after his last NFL game the one to get him out lmao. Had to have been better situations since then
What situation would be better than this? He knows the coach, knows the organization, and is joining a team with a winning record, a good offensive line, and one of the best sets of offensive weapons in football. And he doesn’t have to go through a whole season of wear and tear to take a shot at a playoff run.
… And he is great physical shape. That age thing man so overrated until not 🤭
I want the Jets’ draft picks to be high, but man it would be cool to watch Rivers come out of retirement and make a run. This is wild and I love it.
The man hasn’t played in 5 years. I wouldn’t get my hopes up if I were you
Oh I’m not *expecting* him to make a run. But it would be amazing to see if he did.
Wait what? Those 36 kids must be driving him nuts.
@phillyballers. Probably the high-school kids he’s coaching.
This is insane lmao
Checked calendar. Not April 1st. Confused.
This is like Batman facing Bane in their first showdown
Andrew Luck would’ve been more fun
at least Desmond Ridder’s mom still loves him.
Good lord, talk about desperate.
How long has it been since an actual Grandpa played QB in the league? That alone makes me want to see him elevated from the practice squad in a week or two.