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The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly activating recently signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their active roster from their practice squad, which opens the door for him to start in Sunday's (December 14) game against the Seattle Seahawks, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
"Colts are activating Philip Rivers to their active roster from their practice squad, paving the way for him to make his first NFL start in five years Sunday at Seattle. By signing to the active roster today, Rivers also now will go from being a semi-finalist for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame to not being eligible again until 2031," Schefter wrote on his X account.
Rivers officially signed to the Colts practice squad and was introduced during a press conference on Wednesday after visiting and working out with the team on Tuesday (December 9). The signing came in the wake of starting quarterback Daniel Jones' season-ending injury, with backup Anthony Richardson Sr. on injured reserve, and rookie Riley Leonard, who took over in Jones' absence during last Sunday's (December 7) loss to the AFC South Division rival Jacksonville Jaguars, also dealing with a Grade 1 PCL sprain in his knee.
Rivers spent his final NFL season in Indianapolis in 2020 after 16 with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, reuniting with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who worked on the Chargers' staff from 2014-2020, which included stints as Rivers' quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator. The former N.C. State standout is the Chargers' all-time leader in passing yards (59,271), passing touchdowns (397) and quarterback wins (123).
Jones suffered the injury on a non-contact play while dropping back to pass late in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, appearing to lose his footing while throwing the football. The veteran quarterback fell to the wet turf and was seen growing his right lower leg, showing visible frustration by slamming his helmet multiple times before being helped to his feet and walked off the field.
Jones was already dealing with a fibula fracture -- believed to be a hairline fracture -- that he played through during the last two games, which limited his mobility in consecutive losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. Jones was in the middle of a career renaissance during his lone season with the Colts, having led Indianapolis to an 8-5 record in 13 starts while throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 261 of 384 passing.