Philip Riversis back in the NFL.
The eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback who was in hisfirst year of Hall of Fame eligibilityis back on theIndianapolis Colts' roster for the first time since early 2021. He's back afterColtsstarterDaniel Jonessuffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Now, Rivers will don the No. 17 for an Indianapolis team that's gone from contending for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs to potentially missing the postseason entirely.
Indianapolis started the year 8-2 and entered their Week 11 bye fresh off a31-25 win over Atlantain Germany. Since then, the Colts have lost three straight toKansas City,HoustonandJacksonville.
Jones suffered his season-ending injury against Jacksonville and his backupRiley Leonardalso suffered a PCL injury after coming into the game for Jones in the loss. Rivers now becomes an option to help the team come good on its promising start.
"When Daniel went down and the nwe found out about Riley's knee, we're kind of like, 'hey, what are we going to do?'"Colts coach Shane Steichen said. "Me and [Colts general manager] Chris [Ballard] were talking and we're like, 'hey, let's call Philip, see what he says.'"
Rivers said yes, threw the ball on Monday (his 44th birthday) and signed to the practice squad days later. Will he start this week againstSeattle? Here's what we know.
Philip Rivers retired following the 2020 NFL season, but five years later, the Colts signed Rivers to their practice squad amid quarterback turmoil on Dec 9, 2025 – a day after Rivers turned 44. As Rivers returns to the field, revisit his 2020-2021 season with the Colts." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Colts bring back Philip Rivers, 44. See his 2020 season with team.
Will Philip Rivers play vsSeahawks?
Steichen did not confirm whether Rivers will play or not this week amid the injuries to Leonard and Jones. Leonard will be practicing this week as he recovers from a PCL injury. Steichen said Rivers will be evaluated as a potential starting option regardless of how Leonard progresses this week.
"We're going to get through this week of practice, see how it goes," Steichen said. "Then we'll make a decision at the end of the week probably. So we're going to get him through practice."
Steichen did not rule out Leonard potentially starting against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Seattle enters Week 15 second in the league in pressures (159) and fourth in sacks (41).
Despite Rivers going nearly five years since throwing a pass in the NFL, Steichen's confident he can still perform.
"He didn't forget how to throw a football," Steichen said. "He's one of the most passionate players I've ever been around. The obsession for the game is off the charts so I know he's fired up to be back in this building."
Colts QB depth chart
Much has changed in the Colts' quarterback room over the last five days. Here's how things look as of Dec. 10:
Riley Leonard (injured)
Philip Rivers (practice squad)
Daniel Jones (injured reserve)
Anthony Richardson Sr. (injured reserve)
Indianapolis moved Rypien from the practice squad to the active roster this week. The seven-year veteran could end up as the backup to either Leonard or Rivers against Seattle or the third-string option if both are healthy and available for Week 15.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Will Philip Rivers play? Colts coach explains QB situation
