Stephen HolderDec 10, 2025, 01:42 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
INDIANAPOLIS — Philip Rivers was watching the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday and witnessed quarterback Daniel Jones’ devastating Achilles injury.
“I saw the injury live,” said Rivers, the eight-time Pro Bowl selection who rejoined the Colts this week, five years after his retirement. The move reunites him with close friend Shane Steichen, the Colts’ head coach.
“I feel terrible for Daniel … And I have to admit, I thought, ‘Well, I wonder if Shane will call.'”
Steichen did, in fact, call hours later. And he got a receptive response from Rivers, one of the most decorated passers in NFL history.
After mulling over the idea with his wife and family and seeking the counsel of some trusted associates, Rivers called the Colts on Tuesday morning with a final decision.
And with that vintage Rivers-like answer, the next chapter of his storied career began. The Colts are dealing with injuries to Jones, who was placed on injured reserve this week, and his backup, Riley Leonard, who has a right knee issue but was a full participant in practice Wednesday.
That sparked the idea to call Rivers. But even with Leonard’s improving health — he plans to practice Wednesday and said he feels good — the Colts are seriously considering playing Rivers on Sunday if he shows himself worthy in this week’s practices.
“We’ll see how the week goes,” Steichen said. “We’ll get to the end of the week and make that decision.” Asked to clarify further and whether Rivers could play even if Leonard is healthy on Sunday, Steichen was adamant.
Per usual, he came to work Wednesday with the same level of excitement teammates and coaches became accustomed to during his 17 previous seasons.
Asked whether he can handle the physical rigors of the game after being away for five years, Rivers conceded that will be one of his foremost challenges.
“I’m trying to pick it back up,” he said. “I’ve still been very into it since I’ve been gone [coaching high school and training draft prospects]. But, yeah, it is a physical game and it’s fast and dudes are big and fast, just like they were. So, shoot, you take it a day at a time.
The idea of Rivers playing on Sunday might seem far-fetched on some levels, but his intimate knowledge of the Colts’ system does give him a huge advantage over a quarterback without the long history he has with Steichen.
Steichen coached Rivers for six seasons as a Chargers assistant in the late 2010s, serving as interim offensive coordinator in 2019, Rivers’ final season. Much of Steichen’s scheme and verbiage remains intact.
“That’s a big deal to be able to see that call sheet Tuesday morning and be able to know what every play is,” Rivers said.
As for the Hall of Fame variable, Rivers said it wasn’t top of mind. He is a semifinalist for induction in 2026, his first year of eligibility. If he joins the Colts’ active roster, his five-year waiting period will reset and he will need to wait until 2031 to be eligible.
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
“I said, ‘What do you think?'” Steichen said Wednesday. “He said, ‘Dadgummit, let’s freaking go.”
“It depends on how he feels, too,” he said of Rivers.
Whatever happens, Rivers has already brought something to the table: enthusiasm.
He boiled his decision down to still harboring a love for football that he can’t shake.
Philip Rivers excited about NFL return: ‘I thought that ship had sailed’ (1:22)Philip Rivers talks about his emotions about rejoining the Colts, having not played since 2020. (1:22)