An Indianapolis Colts team experiencing a quarterback crisis convinced 44-year-old Philip Rivers to come out of retirement and join their practice squad roughly 48 hours after starter Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon.
While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, head coach Shane Steichen shared how the Colts ended up at a point where they seemingly are on track to start Rivers at the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks this coming Sunday.
When Colts reached out to Philip Rivers
Per a video shared by Colts radio announcer Matt Taylor, Steichen noted that he approached general manager Chris Ballard about reaching out to Rivers once the club learned that backup Riley Leonard was dealing with a strained knee ligament.
“He said, ‘Heck yeah, I’m interested,'” Steichen said about the initial conversation with Rivers. Rivers then completed a successful workout with the Colts on Monday night before he decided on Tuesday that he wanted to make a return to an NFL squad.
Earlier on Wednesday, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote about how the relationship between Steichen and Rivers goes back to when Steichen was a defensive assistant with the then-San Diego Chargers in 2011. Steichen later served as Rivers’ offensive coordinator with the Chargers.
“The coach and quarterback talk twice a week,” Breer added about Steichen and Rivers.
Is Philip Rivers on track to start for Colts at Seahawks?
The Colts reportedly altered their midweek practice schedule to get Rivers ready to play as soon as this weekend. However, Steichen declined to say on Wednesday if Rivers will get the nod for the Seattle game.
“His passion and his obsession for the game is unmatched,” Steichen said about Rivers, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “For him to come back and want to do this at 44 years old, I think, is incredible. We’re excited for his opportunity. He’s one of the most passionate players I’ve ever been around. The obsession for the game is off the charts. I know he’s fired up to be back in this building.”
Rivers hasn’t played since he featured for the Colts during the 2020 season, and history suggests he won’t be able to save Indianapolis’ playoff hopes. As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Colts as massive 14-point underdogs against the Seahawks.
The 8-5 Houston Texans currently possess the AFC’s final wild-card playoff spot due to their Week 13 win over the Colts.