Reports: Colts kicking tires on 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers

Field Level MediaField Level Media|published: Tue 9th December, 08:17 2025
Syndication: Democrat and ChronicleColts quarterback Philip Rivers steps into a throw over the middle of the field. Jg 010921 Bills 23

Eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers will visit and work out with the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, a day after celebrating his 44th birthday.

NFL Network reported that the quarterback-starved Colts could sign Rivers to the practice squad with three quarterbacks injured. Rivers has not played since the 2020 season.

Daniel Jones, who was enjoying a resurgence in his first season with the Colts, suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon injury in Sunday's 36-19 loss at Jacksonville. Backup Riley Leonard, who replaced Jones, is dealing with a knee injury, although the 2025 sixth-round draft pick is expected to make the start at Seattle on Sunday.

Former first-round pick Anthony Richardson suffered a broken orbital bone in October and has not been medically cleared to return. Veteran Brett Rypien is on the Colts' practice squad.


After playing 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Rivers completed his career with the Colts in 2020. He threw for more than 4,000 yards for the 12th time in 13 seasons, tossing 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the 11-5 squad.

Rivers ranks seventh in NFL history with 63,440 passing yards and sixth with 421 touchdown passes.

He is one of the 26 semifinalists for the Class of 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Should Rivers be signed to the Colts' active roster, his Hall of Fame eligibility clock would reset -- thereby igniting another five-year wait, per the NFL Network. If he's signed to the practice squad, however, the clock would not reset.

--Field Level Media

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