Indianapolis ColtsThe team, plagued by injuries to its quarterbacks, plans to coach 44-year-old Philip Rivers, according to multiple reports.
NFL Network reported that the Colts could sign Rivers, who last played in the 2020 season, to the practice squad. Since retirement he coached high school football. This season, he led the St. Michael's Catholic Cardinals in his native Alabama to the Class 4A state semifinals.
Daniel Jones, who enjoyed a resurgence in his first season with the Colts, suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Sunday's 36-19 loss to Jacksonville. Backup Riley Leonard, who replaced Jones, is dealing with a knee injury, although the 2025 sixth-round draft pick is expected to start in Seattle on Sunday. Former first-rounder Anthony Richardson broke his orbital bone in October and has not been medically cleared to return. Veteran Brett Rypien is on the Colts' practice squad.
The Colts looked poised to make the postseason when they topped the AFC South with an 8–2 record, but have since lost three straight games and are just outside the final playoff spot in the AFC.
The Colts' remaining schedule is challenging as they face four teams that appear poised to make the postseason: the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars and Texans. However, ESPN reports that the team believes Rivers will give them a chance to make the postseason.
After playing 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Rivers finished his career with the Colts in 2020. He threw for more than 4,000 yards for the 12th time in 13 seasons, throwing 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as the Colts made the playoffs before narrowly losing to the Buffalo Bills in the group round.
Rivers is ranked seventh in NFL all-time in passing yards (63,440) and sixth in touchdown passes (421).
