Within the wake of Daniel Jones‘ season-ending Achilles injury, the Colts are hoping to maintain their once-promising season afloat. Because the organization looks to fill the gaping hole under center, they’re turning to a well-recognized face as a possible answer.
In line with Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Colts will host Philip Rivers for a visit tomorrow. Ian Rapoport adds that Rivers could be considered for a practice squad gig, and in the interim, Riley Leonard might be Indy’s QB1. ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that while the Colts are serious about seeing what type of shape Rivers is in, the QB remains to be determining whether he’d even want to come back back and play. On the very least, Rivers is intrigued enough to travel to Indianapolis for a workout. For what it’s value, Dianna Russini of The Athletic says the Colts currently don’t have plans to bring some other quarterback in for a workout.
Should you’re keeping track at home, it’s been a bit since Rivers has been on our radar. The long-time QB made his last NFL appearance in the course of the 2020 season, when he began all 16 games for the Colts. He was still plenty serviceable during that age-39 campaign, as Rivers guided his squad to an 11-5 record while completing 68 percent of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He added one other two touchdowns in Indy’s playoff loss to the Bills.
Rivers subsequently announced his retirement, but he’s still resurfaced as a possible option for QB-needy teams in recent times. He was open to joining the Saints late in the course of the 2021 campaign, and the Colts also considered a reunion that season. There was even a probability Rivers made his comeback during Super Bowl LVII; the 49ers admitted that he was their top alternative had they made it to the sport (all of Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Brock Purdy, and Josh Johnson would have been sidelined). Rivers didn’t find yourself joining any of those squads, and he’s spent the past few years coaching highschool football in Alabama. He looked as if it would put talks of a comeback to a rest this past summer when he inked a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Chargers.
Now, that long-awaited comeback may very well come to fruition together with his last NFL team. Jones’ season got here to an end yesterday, leaving the organization scrambling on the position. Anthony Richardson is uncertain to return this yr, meaning the team may don’t have any alternative but to roll with Leonard. Even then, the sixth-round rookie is nursing his own knee injury (per ESPN’s Stephen Holder), potentially leaving Brett Rypien because the only healthy option within the organization.
Now 44 years old (today is definitely his birthday), Rivers would definitely be an interesting alternative to save lots of the Colts once-promising season. The fourth-overall pick within the 2004 draft, Rivers helped guide the Chargers to 6 playoff appearances during his tenure with the organization. Only considered one of those appearances resulted in a major run (when the Chargers lost to the Patriots within the 2007 conference championship), but Rivers did tally five playoff wins during his time with the team. He would represent the polar opposite to Leonard, who attempted only a pair of pass attempts before being forced into the lineup yesterday.
Considering his long layoff from the game, Rivers probably wouldn’t even be considered if it wasn’t for his relationship with Colts head coach Shane Steichen. The 2 had an extended stint working alongside one another during their respective stints with the Chargers. Steichen worked his way as much as QBs coach in 2016, a task he held for three-plus seasons before earning a promotion to offensive coordinator.
To place this potential move in perspective: Rivers is currently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His potential comeback would surely add an unexpected wrinkle to that endeavor.