Posted on Dec 10

Colts re-sign Rivers after Jones' injury, bringing back the veteran QB to the lineup

Posted Dec 10, 2025

Philip Rivers is making a surprising return to the NFL, re-signing with the Indianapolis Colts after a five-year retirement.

Why it matters: Rivers' comeback comes at a critical juncture for the Colts, who are grappling with significant injuries to their quarterback roster.

Current starter Daniel Jones has been placed on injured reserve due to an Achilles injury, while backup Riley Leonard is also nursing a right knee issue.
With both quarterbacks sidelined, Rivers represents a veteran presence capable of stabilizing the team's offense during a tumultuous period.

What's new: The Colts head coach Shane Steichen reached out to Rivers following Jones’ injury during a game against the Jaguars, reigniting the possibility of his return to the field.

Rivers was already familiar with Steichen's offensive system, having played under him as an assistant with the Chargers for six seasons.
This continuity could facilitate a smoother integration into the team's playbook and strategy.

Yes, but: Returning to football after five years poses physical challenges that Rivers acknowledges.

In a candid statement, he noted, “I’m trying to pick it back up... it is a physical game and it's fast and dudes are big and fast, just like they were.”
This admission underscores the difficulties faced by players transitioning back into the sport after a significant hiatus.

The big picture: Rivers' return reflects a broader trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly willing to bring back seasoned veterans to address immediate needs.

With several high-profile quarterback injuries across the league, the demand for experienced signal-callers may grow, prompting more veterans to consider comebacks.
Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler, remains a respected figure in the league, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his return.

What’s next: The Colts will need to quickly assess Rivers’ readiness and adaptability to ensure he can effectively lead the offense.

His experience will be invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations where decision-making is crucial.
As he stated, "Football is a game I love to play," signaling his eagerness to contribute despite the challenges ahead.

The bottom line: While Rivers aims to provide immediate support to the Colts, his long-term prospects remain uncertain.

He is also a semifinalist for Hall of Fame induction in 2026, though he clarified that this did not influence his decision to come back.
Ultimately, Rivers' performance in the coming weeks will determine not only his impact on the Colts but also how his legacy will evolve in the context of his unexpected return to the game he loves.

Colts re-sign Rivers after Jones' injury, bringing back the veteran QB to the lineup

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 10, 2025

Philip Rivers is making a surprising return to the NFL, re-signing with the Indianapolis Colts after a five-year retirement.

Why it matters: Rivers' comeback comes at a critical juncture for the Colts, who are grappling with significant injuries to their quarterback roster.

Current starter Daniel Jones has been placed on injured reserve due to an Achilles injury, while backup Riley Leonard is also nursing a right knee issue.

With both quarterbacks sidelined, Rivers represents a veteran presence capable of stabilizing the team's offense during a tumultuous period.

What's new: The Colts head coach Shane Steichen reached out to Rivers following Jones’ injury during a game against the Jaguars, reigniting the possibility of his return to the field.

Rivers was already familiar with Steichen's offensive system, having played under him as an assistant with the Chargers for six seasons.

This continuity could facilitate a smoother integration into the team's playbook and strategy.

Yes, but: Returning to football after five years poses physical challenges that Rivers acknowledges.

In a candid statement, he noted, “I’m trying to pick it back up... it is a physical game and it's fast and dudes are big and fast, just like they were.”

This admission underscores the difficulties faced by players transitioning back into the sport after a significant hiatus.

The big picture: Rivers' return reflects a broader trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly willing to bring back seasoned veterans to address immediate needs.

With several high-profile quarterback injuries across the league, the demand for experienced signal-callers may grow, prompting more veterans to consider comebacks.

Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler, remains a respected figure in the league, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his return.

What’s next: The Colts will need to quickly assess Rivers’ readiness and adaptability to ensure he can effectively lead the offense.

His experience will be invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations where decision-making is crucial.

As he stated, "Football is a game I love to play," signaling his eagerness to contribute despite the challenges ahead.

The bottom line: While Rivers aims to provide immediate support to the Colts, his long-term prospects remain uncertain.

He is also a semifinalist for Hall of Fame induction in 2026, though he clarified that this did not influence his decision to come back.

Ultimately, Rivers' performance in the coming weeks will determine not only his impact on the Colts but also how his legacy will evolve in the context of his unexpected return to the game he loves.