As the Indianapolis Colts got boxed in on a particularly difficult situation, they have found an unlikely solution in veteran Philip Rivers to their quarterback situation. With Daniel Jones ruled out for the rest of the season, and with backup Riley Leonard dealing with his own injury situation, the Colts have just incorporated the experienced Rivers to save their season.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it seems like Rivers will start in the NFL at 44 years old, becoming just the fifth player in history to do so after Tom Brady, Vinny Testaverde, Steve DeBerg, and Warren Moon. Schefter wrote the following on X on Tuesday:
“Philip Rivers could be the 5th QB in NFL history to start a game at age 44 or older, joining Tom Brady, Vinny Testaverde, Steve DeBerg and Warren Moon, per ESPN’s @EpKap.”
Philip Rivers could be the 5th QB in NFL history to start a game at age 44 or older, joining Tom Brady, Vinny Testaverde, Steve DeBerg and Warren Moon, per ESPN’s @EpKap.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2025
Rivers last played in the NFL in 2020 with the Indianapolis Colts, and since then, he has been coaching St. Michael Catholic High School. His sole season with the Colts was highly successful, as he led them to an 11-5 record and a postseason appearance.
Rivers spent most of his NFL career with the then-San Diego Chargers between 2004 and 2019, and in the process was an eight-time Pro Bowl Selection and the 2013 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Shane Steichen on Whether Riley Leonard Will Start on Sunday?
As recently as on Monday, Dec. 8, Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen was asked if Riley Leonard is expected to play on Sunday. He said:
“That’s the hope. We’ll see how it goes.”
Nonetheless, on Monday evening, Philip Rivers was seen working out with the Colts, and on Tuesday, he was signed to the training squad. He’s also a close personal friend of Steichen, and reports are that he’s well regarded at the Colts, following the successful 2020 stint.
Riley Leonard’s strained knee ligament remains a week-to-week issue.
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