Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers would make his first start since the 2021 playoffs this week against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Rivers, 44, was signed with Colts practice squad this week following Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury in Week 14. With backup Riley Leonard dealing with a knee injury, the door was opened for a reunion with the veteran quarterback, who spent his final NFL season in Indianapolis in 2020.
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Agreeing to return nearly five years after his last NFL start — a Jan. 9, 2021, playoff game against the Buffalo Bills — was helped by the fact that Rivers has known Steichen from his years with the Chargers. When the idea of helping the Colts was brought up, the veteran quarterback was brought to practice and on Tuesday he was excited about the opportunity to play again.
"Daddy, let’s fucking go," Rivers told Colts brass.
Philip Rivers, 44, has been coaching at St. Michael’s Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama since 2021. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
(Lance King via Getty Images)
After getting off to an 8-2 start to the season, the Colts have lost three straight games, throwing their hold on a once-secure playoff run into doubt. At 8-5, they are currently fighting for both the AFC South title and a playoff spot. They are tied with the Houston Texans for second in the division and one game behind the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars.
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As of Week 15, the Colts would be on the outside of the playoff photo with the Texans taking the final playoff spot in the AFC.
Rivers said earlier this week that he was “not here to save the year or to be a hero by any means.” But if they could give them competent quarterback play for the final weeks of the regular season, the Colts might have a chance to end a four-season playoff drought.
