Philip Rivers Returns to NFL, Joining Colts Practice Squad After Daniel Jones Injury
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Philip Rivers, the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback who retired after the 2020 NFL season, has made an unexpected return to professional football. The 44-year-old gunslinger was signed to the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad this week after the team’s starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Rivers, who played 16 seasons with the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Colts for the 2020 season, had believed his playing days were behind him. “I kind of thought that ship had sailed,” Rivers said, reflecting on his decision to come out of retirement. However, when Jones went down during a recent game, Rivers was watching live and immediately felt a spark of competitive excitement. “When that happened, in my mind, I was like, ‘What in the world?’ I wondered if Colts coach Shane Steichen would call,” he recalled.
Jones’ injury was a devastating blow to the Colts, who had relied on him as their starting quarterback this season. According to reports from the National Football League, Jones suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury that typically requires a lengthy rehabilitation process and sidelines players for the remainder of the season.
With the Colts needing an experienced quarterback to step in, the team turned to Rivers, who had previously played for Indianapolis in 2020. The veteran quarterback, known for his leadership and strong arm, was signed to the practice squad, a move that surprised some but was welcomed by Rivers himself. “It’s one of those deals where a door opens, and you either walk through it and find out if you can do it, or run from it,” Rivers said. “I know there’s risk involved, but the only way to find out is going for it.”
Rivers has long worn the No. 17 jersey and will continue to do so in his second stint with the Colts, a number now vacated by Jones. The two quarterbacks have exchanged messages, with Rivers expressing sympathy for Jones’ injury and gratitude for the gesture of allowing him to wear the number.
Rivers’ return is notable not only because of his age but also because he has not appeared in an NFL game since the 2020 season. His decision to come back highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where injuries can rapidly alter team dynamics and open unexpected opportunities.
The Colts’ move to bring back Rivers underscores the importance of veteran presence in the quarterback position, especially during a critical stretch of the NFL season. The team’s coaching staff, led by Shane Steichen, will now evaluate how best to integrate Rivers into their game plans moving forward.
As the Colts prepare for upcoming games, Rivers’ comeback adds an intriguing storyline to the NFL landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the seasoned quarterback performs after a five-year hiatus. For more updates on NFL player movements and injury reports, the NFL’s official injury report and the Indianapolis Colts’ website provide ongoing coverage.
Rivers’ return also serves as a reminder of the physical demands and uncertainties inherent in professional football, where careers can pause and resume in unexpected ways. His willingness to step back onto the field at 44 exemplifies the competitive spirit that has defined his career.
For those interested in the broader implications of athlete comebacks and injury management, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s sports injury resources offer valuable insights into recovery and prevention strategies.
As the Colts navigate the remainder of the 2025 NFL season, all eyes will be on Rivers to see if this unexpected chapter can add another memorable highlight to his storied career.
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