Indianapolis Colts They don't rule out Philip Rivers starting at quarterback after bringing his grandfather out of retirement due to injury.
The Colts lost season starter Daniel Jones after he tore his Achilles on Sunday, and their 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson is out with a fractured orbital bone he suffered in October. With backup Riley Leonard nursing a knee injury, the Colts turned to the 44-year-old Rivers, who retired at the end of the 2020 season. Rivers, who worked as a high school coach after retiring and recently welcomed my first grandsonplayed for the Colts in his final season after a long stint with the Chargers.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen is a close friend of Rivers and invited him back to the team. NFL.
“I said, 'What do you think?' Steichen said Wednesday. “He said, 'Dad, let's fucking go.'
Steichen hasn't ruled out Rivers starting Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
“We’ll see how the week goes,” Steichen said. “We'll get to the end of the week and make that decision.”
Rivers, known for his enthusiasm and energy throughout his playing career, said he was excited about his chance to return to the NFL.
“Something about it excited me, and it’s one of those deals where the door opens and you either walk through it and see if you can do it, or you run away from it,” he said. “I know there is a risk that may or may not happen, but the only way to find out is to go for it.”
In his final NFL season, Rivers was listed at 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds. He admitted Wednesday that he may now be heavier.
“I don't know [my weight now]Honestly,” he said, causing the reporters to laugh. – It's not the same as when I left. However, I emphasize that I have never run away from anyone.”
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.
Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler, is ranked seventh. NFL all-time in passing yards (63,440) and sixth in touchdown passes (421). In his final season, he led the Colts to the playoffs with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
