Four years after his last NFL snap, Philip Rivers is officially back. At 44, the former star quarterback of the Chargers and Colts is once again joining Indianapolis, the franchise with which he played the 2020 season before announcing his retirement. Urgently called after the injury to Daniel Jones, Rivers comes to strengthen a weakened position and will have to support rookie Riley Leonard at the end of the season under pressure.
According to ESPN, Rivers will participate in practice Wednesday and Thursday, and the Colts will then determine whether he is physically ready to play starting Sunday against Seattle. With his experience, the doubt is not about understanding the playbook, but about his ability to withstand the pace and shocks after four years away from the field.
Rivers will also meet an old acquaintance: Shane Steichen, now head coach of the Colts, who was his offensive coordinator with the Chargers. A valuable connection in a team that has struggled to stabilize the quarterback position since 2020. Since his departure, Indianapolis has aligned: Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew, Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco and finally Daniel Jones this season. A succession which reflects the permanent instability in this key position post – Andrew Luck.
Despite everything, Indianapolis had one of the best starts to the season in its history. The Colts are currently 8–5, but are on a three-game losing streak after leading the AFC. They have just lost their place in the playoffs to the Jaguars, driven by better dynamics. The return of Rivers therefore comes in a delicate context.
The last time Indianapolis was in the playoffs? 2020, with Philip Rivers as quarterback. Another era… or perhaps a chapter that ultimately wasn’t over. The Hall of Fame will have to wait.
