Nearly five years after hanging up his cleats, Philip Rivers is back with the Indianapolis Colts. He has signed on for the practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. A source close to Rivers shared that he’s actually in better shape now than he was during his final playing days.
This move comes in light of the Colts’ recent struggles. Their quarterback lineup has been hit hard by injuries. Daniel Jones is out for the season with a torn Achilles. Rookie Riley Leonard had his first major appearance last Sunday, but now he’s uncertain for the next game due to a knee injury. Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ first-round draft pick, has been on injured reserve since October with an unusual injury caused by a broken elastic stretch band.
Head coach Shane Steichen noted that with Richardson and Leonard’s statuses in doubt, Rivers seems like a solid choice to help the team. The Colts have lost three straight games and are now vying for a slim playoff chance with just four weeks left in the regular season.
In Rivers’ last season with the Colts in 2020, he helped lead the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance. He threw for over 4,000 yards that year, showcasing his enduring talent even as he neared retirement.
Interestingly, Rivers’ long streak of 240 consecutive starts from 2006 to 2020 is among the longest in NFL history. Only Brett Favre has more. His commitment to the game and ability to adapt over time have been a model for many.
As teams continue to navigate injuries and roster adjustments, Rivers’ return is a reminder of the unpredictability of sports and the resilience that athletes often need.
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