Philip Rivers celebrated his 44th birthday on December 8, 2025, and the Indianapolis Colts have announced a workout at their facilities on Tuesday to see if the veteran quarterback might join their practice squad. The plan was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who tweeted, “The #Colts are planning to bring potential Hall of Fame QB Philip Rivers into their facility Tuesday to work out to see if he may join their practice squad, per me & @MikeGarafolo. This is real. Daniel Jones’ season is over, Riley Leonard will start, but Rivers may be an option.” The Colts’ interest comes as the team struggles to find reliable quarterback play after a promising 7‑1 start that may not secure a playoff berth.
Rivers’ Career Highlights
Rivers, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, spent 16 of his 17 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before finishing his career in 2020 with Indianapolis. During his final season, he was a regular starter and helped the Colts earn a wild‑card berth, only to lose to the Buffalo Bills 27‑24. In that season, he threw 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on a 68% completion rate. Over his entire career, Rivers accumulated 63,440 passing yards, the seventh most in NFL history, and 421 touchdowns, ranking sixth all time.
The Colts’ Quarterback Crisis
The Colts’ quarterback situation has deteriorated rapidly. In Week 14, Indianapolis dropped to an 8‑5 record after Daniel Jones, already nursing a hairline fracture in his fibula, tore his right Achilles during a blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Riley Leonard stepped in as the starter but has now sustained a strained knee ligament that could sideline him for the Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Former first‑round pick Anthony Richardson is on injured reserve with an orbital bone fracture, leaving the Colts with a thin depth chart.
Practice Squad Needs
Indianapolis currently has 29‑year‑old Brett Rypien on its practice squad, but the team still requires additional quarterback bodies. Rypien’s presence is valuable, yet the Colts’ coaching staff believes that adding a veteran like Rivers could provide mentorship and depth. The Colts will also face the San Francisco 49ers before a rematch against the Jaguars and a regular‑season finale against the Houston Texans, both of which currently sit above the Colts in the division standings.
Adam Schefter’s Take
ESPN’s Adam Schefter commented that Rivers will still need to decide whether he wants to return to playing. Schefter noted that Rivers’ willingness to fly in for a workout indicates he is intrigued by the possibility, but a final decision remains pending.
Why the Colts Are Reaching Out
The Colts’ desperation mode for competent quarterback play has prompted the organization to explore all options. Bringing in a player of Rivers’ experience could offer short‑term stability while the team evaluates younger talent. The Colts’ coaching staff believes that Rivers’ knowledge of the game could help the younger quarterbacks learn on the fly.
Potential Outcomes
If Rivers accepts the workout and the Colts decide to add him to the practice squad, he would be the first former NFL quarterback to join a team’s practice squad after a decade away from the league. The move would also give Rivers a chance to gauge his physical readiness and determine if he is willing to return to full‑time play.
The Bigger Picture
The Colts’ quarterback dilemma highlights the volatility of the NFL’s roster construction. A single injury can expose gaps that are difficult to fill, especially when a team is in contention for a playoff spot. The Colts’ decision to bring in Rivers reflects a broader trend of teams seeking veteran experience to stabilize uncertain periods.
Key Takeaways
- Philip Rivers, 44, is scheduled for a Colts workout on his birthday.
- The Colts’ quarterback depth has been eroded by injuries to Jones, Leonard, and Richardson.
- Rivers’ career totals include 63,440 yards and 421 touchdowns.
The Colts’ upcoming workout will determine whether Rivers is interested in rejoining the NFL, and whether the team can rely on his veteran presence to navigate the remainder of the season.
