ivers Returns from Retirement
Philip Rivers — who retired after the 2020 season and turned 44 on Monday — is making a surprising return to the NFL. The veteran quarterback has signed with Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad after working out with the team on Monday night. NBC Sports+2NFL.com+2
Since retiring, Rivers had been coaching high school football in Alabama. Now, amid a clearance of injuries at quarterback for the Colts, he’s lacing up his cleats again. NBC Sports+2ESPN.com+2
Why the Colts Brought Him Back
The move comes as a direct response to the Colts’ quarterback crisis. Starter Daniel Jones recently suffered a torn Achilles tendon and is out for the season, while the team’s backup and hopeful successor Riley Leonard is dealing with a knee injury, leaving the roster thin at the most critical position. FOX Sports+2NFL.com+2
Rivers brings familiarity, too: he played his final 2020 season in Indianapolis, and he knows Colts head coach Shane Steichen from their time together with the Chargers. That makes Rivers a low-friction, emergency-ready option if the team needs him. NBC Sports+2NFL.com+2
What It Means for Rivers — and for His Legacy
If Rivers remains on the practice squad, his eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame remains intact. But if Indianapolis promotes him to the active roster — even if he doesn’t take a snap — his Hall of Fame “clock” resets. That would mean he’d need to wait another five years before being reconsidered. The Washington Post+2ESPN.com+2
It’s a gamble: Rivers gets another shot at NFL action, but it could come at the cost of delaying his Hall of Fame induction timeline.
What’s Next for the Colts
With four games left in the regular season, the Colts (8–5) are scrambling to keep their playoff hopes alive. Adding Rivers gives them experienced depth at quarterback while they judge the health and readiness of Riley Leonard and other backups. FOX Sports+2The Telegraph+2
It remains to be seen whether he’ll actually see game action. The decision — whether to elevate him to the active roster — may come down to practice performance, matchup considerations, and how healthy the other quarterbacks are.
