The Indianapolis Colts are set to activate quarterback Philip Rivers from their practice squad, making him eligible to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. This decision comes after Rivers, who retired following the 2020 NFL season, returned to the team to address their quarterback needs following Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury.
Rivers, now 44 years old, has not played in a competitive game since January 2021. He was initially signed to the Colts’ practice squad, which required him to be elevated to the official roster before he could participate in games. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Rivers will transition from being a semifinalist for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame to being ineligible for another five years after this Sunday.
Coach Shane Steichen noted that while the team has yet to confirm its starting quarterback, indications suggest that Rivers will take the field against a formidable Seattle defense. Steichen expressed his confidence in Rivers’ preparation, stating, “A guy that hasn’t been out there in five years, to go and practice the way he did this week was pretty impressive to watch.”
Preparation for Rivers’ return has been extensive, with the Colts simulating game situations during practice. The team acknowledges that while these simulations are valuable, the actual game experience will present new challenges, particularly in terms of game speed. Steichen highlighted the importance of a gradual acclimatization: “Obviously, the game is a little different. The game speed will be a little different for him, so that’ll be an acclimation period for him if he’s out there.”
The Colts are approaching this situation with excitement tempered by realism. Steichen emphasized that Rivers is not expected to single-handedly turn the season around. “He’s here to be a great leader, a great teammate,” Steichen affirmed. “The process is about going out there, operating the offense, and getting us in and out of the right plays. And that’s the way he’s taken it, flowing with it one day at a time.”
As the Colts prepare for their matchup against the Seahawks, Rivers’ return is generating significant buzz within the locker room and among fans. The team’s management hopes that his experience and leadership will provide a stabilizing presence during a critical juncture in the season. With the clock ticking down to kickoff, all eyes will be on Rivers as he steps back onto the field after nearly five years away from competitive football.