The Indianapolis Colts are turning back the clock by bringing in veteran quarterback Philip Rivers for a workout following a season-ending injury to starter Daniel Jones.
With the AFC playoff race heating up and the roster depleted at the signal-caller position, the front office is looking for a proven leader to steady the ship. Jones, who had revitalized his career in Indianapolis this season, suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the team’s Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The move to contact the 44-year-old Rivers signals a desperate push by the Colts to keep their postseason hopes alive as they navigate a critical stretch of the schedule. This unexpected reunion brings one of the league’s most prolific passers back into the spotlight for a potential late-season surge.
Let’s take a closer look.
Why are the Colts looking at Philip Rivers now?
The Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a dire situation at quarterback after losing Daniel Jones to a season-ending Achilles tear and seeing backup Riley Leonard struggle with a knee injury.
The team’s depth has been tested to its limit, especially with Anthony Richardson still working his way back from a fractured orbital bone.
Rivers is a natural choice for a short-term fix because he already has a deep history with the organization and head coach Shane Steichen. He spent the 2020 season with the Colts, leading them to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth before his initial retirement.
The veteran quarterback also worked closely with Steichen during their shared time with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers. This familiarity with the system is expected to shorten the learning curve significantly as the team prepares for a difficult upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
How serious is the injury to Daniel Jones?
Daniel Jones was officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right Achilles tendon.
The injury occurred during the first half of a 36-19 loss to the Jaguars when Jones crumpled to the turf on a non-contact play.
Before the injury, Jones was having a career year, throwing for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns while leading the Colts to an 8-5 start. His performance had even placed him in the periphery of the MVP conversation as he stabilized a franchise that had struggled with quarterback consistency for years.
Reports indicate that Jones may have been compensating for a previously undisclosed broken fibula, which could have contributed to the catastrophic Achilles tear. He is expected to face a recovery timeline of six to eight months, putting his availability for the 2026 training camp in question.
Can Philip Rivers still compete at 44 years old?
While Philip Rivers has not played in an NFL game since the 2020 season, his knowledge of the game and previous success in this specific offense make him a viable emergency option.
Since retiring, Rivers has remained close to the game by coaching high school football at St. Michael Catholic in Alabama.
The primary concern for the Colts is not Rivers’ mental acuity or his ability to read a defense, but rather his physical readiness after nearly five years away from professional hits. At 44, he would become one of the oldest active players in the league, joining a rare group of quarterbacks who have played well into their 40s.
Despite the age gap, the Colts believe his veteran presence in the locker room will provide a much-needed spark for a team that has lost four of its last five games. If the workout goes well, Rivers is expected to join the practice squad immediately with the potential to be elevated to the active roster for game days.
What are the other options for Indianapolis?
The Colts currently have rookie Riley Leonard and veteran Brett Rypien on the depth chart, but neither has shown the consistency required to lead a playoff-caliber team.
Leonard stepped in for Jones against Jacksonville but struggled to move the ball, finishing with 145 yards and an interception.
Anthony Richardson remains the long-term hope for the franchise, but his recovery from a fractured orbital bone has been slow due to lingering vision limitations. While he has been cleared to return to practice, Coach Steichen has emphasized that he is not yet ready for game action.
The team also designated tight end Tyler Warren as an emergency quarterback, illustrating just how thin the roster has become at the position. Bringing in Rivers provides a safety net that allows the team to avoid rushing Richardson back before his vision is fully restored.
How does this move affect the Colts’ playoff chances?
The decision to bring back Rivers is a clear “win-now” move intended to salvage a season that is rapidly slipping away from Indianapolis.
After their 8-2 start, the recent collapse has dropped the Colts out of the current AFC playoff picture and behind the Jaguars in the division.
With games remaining against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Texans, the Colts cannot afford another loss if they hope to secure a Wild Card spot. The coaching staff believes that Rivers’ elite decision-making and quick release can minimize the impact of a struggling offensive line and keep the chains moving.
If Rivers can recapture even a fraction of his 2020 form, the Colts may be able to stabilize their offense and find the end zone more consistently. However, the move is a high-risk gamble that relies on a retired player to outperform younger, more mobile defenders in high-stakes environments.
TL;DR
- The Colts are working out 44-year-old Philip Rivers to address a quarterback crisis.
- Daniel Jones is out for the season following surgery for a torn Achilles tendon.
- Backup Riley Leonard is dealing with a knee injury, and Anthony Richardson is still recovering from an eye injury.
- Rivers previously led the Colts to the playoffs in 2020 and has a history with Coach Shane Steichen.
- The move aims to save the Colts’ fading playoff hopes following a string of recent losses.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
