Stephen HolderDec 8, 2025, 07:17 PM ETCloseStephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.Follow on X
With starter Daniel Jones out for the season because of a torn right Achilles and backup Riley Leonard dealing with a knee injury, the Colts could, shockingly, turn to retired NFL great Philip Rivers as an emergency solution.
Indianapolis brought in Rivers, who last played in the NFL in 2020 with the Colts, for a workout Monday night, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Tuesday. Rivers threw the ball well, the source told Fowler, but the Colts haven’t yet decided to sign him, and Rivers has yet to determine whether he would play, a source said.
Rivers is currently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Per the Hall of Fame, if Rivers signs to the Colts’ practice squad that would have no effect on his eligibility. However, if he signs to the Colts’ active roster his eligibility clock would reset, whether or not he takes a snap in a game, and he wouldn’t be eligible again until 2031.
Though it’s unclear if Rivers, who turned 44 on Monday, is in football shape after his long layoff, he would have intimate knowledge of the Colts’ offensive scheme, and his working relationship with coach Shane Steichen would be seamless. They worked closely during Steichen’s days as the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator before Rivers’ one season with the Colts.
He was impressive in his final season with the Colts in 2020. Indianapolis finished 11-5 with Rivers under center, making the playoffs as an AFC wild card. The Colts lost to the Buffalo Bills in a first-round game and, several weeks later, Rivers retired. No Colts team since that 2020 squad has averaged more than the 253.3 passing yards produced by Rivers.
Indianapolis won four of its last five games that season to clinch a playoff spot. And Rivers delivered throughout the season, completing 68% of his pass attempts and throwing 24 touchdown passes.
Leonard finished the game and was expected to fill in the rest of the season. But Steichen said Leonard, a sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame, reported an unspecified knee issue to the team’s medical staff Monday morning. A source later told ESPN’s Schefter that Leonard had a strained knee ligament and was considered week-to-week. The Colts said it was unclear whether Leonard would be available for Sunday’s road game against the Seattle Seahawks.
With 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. also on injured reserve, the Colts have only journeyman quarterback Brett Rypien on their practice squad.
The Colts (8-5) are sitting just outside the AFC playoff field, losing a tiebreaker for the final spot with the Houston Texans. Indianapolis has four games remaining in the regular season, against the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars and Texans.
Jeff Saturday and Domonique Foxworth react to reports that retired QB Philip Rivers worked out with the Colts to possibly replace Daniel Jones after his Achilles injury. (1:27)
CloseStephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.Follow on X
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts’ quarterback saga has taken another twist.
The Colts believe Rivers’ familiarity could give them a realistic chance to stay competitive.
NFL Network first reported the Colts’ interest in Rivers.
Jeff Saturday laments Daniel Jones’ injury, jokes about calling Tom Brady (1:27)Jeff Saturday and Domonique Foxworth react to reports that retired QB Philip Rivers worked out with the Colts to possibly replace Daniel Jones after his Achilles injury. (1:27)