Indianapolis Colts’ veteran quarterback Philip Rivers will not feature for the side’s regular-season finale against the Houston Texans, as he is expected to be a backup for the Sunday encounter.
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder and Jeremy Fowler, the Colts are planning to start rookie quarterback Riley Leonard in Week 18, a decision taken perhaps after being officially knocked out of playoff contention last week.
The Colts are expected to start rookie Riley Leonard on Sunday against the Texans, sources told @HolderStephen and me.
After three games with Philip Rivers and the Colts falling out of the playoffs, Indy will get a look at the rookie. pic.twitter.com/vuBP9Y7YUO
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 30, 2025
At 44 years old, Rivers will feature on the bench after a short stint as the team’s starter, marking the end of his return to Indianapolis. He was brought out of a four-year retirement following Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 14.
Despite the Colts losing all three games Rivers started in, he delivered steady performances, completing 58 of 92 passes for 544 yards while also throwing four touchdowns against three interceptions.
Philip Rivers Reflects on Unexpected Return to the NFL
The Colts’ disappointing campaign concluded with a 23–17 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the Indiana-based side becoming only the sixth team in NFL history to miss a playoff berth after starting the season with an 8-2 record.
Following the loss, Rivers, in what was most likely his final NFL game, spoke about his brief stretch of games with the Colts after having retired four years earlier. He described the opportunity to return to the field as an “absolute blast,” emphasizing how the past three weeks have been an incredible experience. The veteran quarterback also expressed gratitude for the three bonus games he received this season.
“It’s been an absolute blast for three weeks and if I go back now and said, ‘All right, now you know everything that’s going to happen, what are you going to do?’ I’d do it all again,” Rivers stated after the game (0:28).
“I had tears those few days (after retiring in 2021) after that and I was at peace with that being the last one. So, certainly, if it is, I got three more bonus games that I never saw coming”, he elaborated (0:47).
A teary-eyed Philip Rivers on today possibly being his last game: “If I go back and say, ‘Now you know everything that’s gonna happen, what would you do?’ I’d do it all again. … I got 3 bonus games that I never saw coming and I couldn’t be more grateful.” pic.twitter.com/YciJ3l2yga
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 28, 2025
Rivers, in his final NFL game against the Jaguars, completed a total of 17 out of 30 passes while also compiling 147 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
Also Read:
- Which NFL Teams Are Resting Starters in Week 18? Full List and Key Updates
- Will Justin Herbert Play Week 18? What to Know About Chargers QB Ahead of Broncos Matchup
- Will Josh Allen Play Week 18? What to Know About Bills QB Ahead of Jets Matchup
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