INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts bolstered their injury-depleted quarterback corps Tuesday by bringing 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement and signing him to the practice squad, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet made an official announcement.
The move comes less than 24 hours after Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed Indy’s starter, Daniel Jones, would miss the rest of this season after tearing his right Achilles tendon and backup Riley Leonard injured his right knee during Sunday’s loss at Jacksonville.
Rivers hasn’t taken a snap since finishing his career with a playoff loss following the Colts 2020 season. That was the last time Indy (8-5) made the postseason. The eight-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement in January 2021 and has been coaching St. Michael High School in Fairhope, Alabama, ever since.
But it’s not clear how long it will take Rivers to learn Indy’s playbook — or work his way into game shape — as the reeling Colts try to snap a three-game losing streak next weekend at Seattle (10-3).