Desperate times call for desperate measures... and the Indianapolis Colts are way past the point of desperation. Five weeks after falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Now, Indianapolis might attempt to bring in a quarterback who makes even Aaron Rodgers look young.
On Monday, NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the retired quarterback Philip Rivers might be the plan to save the Colts' 2025 season. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler followed with a report on Tuesday that Rivers' workout with Indianapolis took place on Monday night and noted that he 'threw the ball well.'
All of this feels like a bad prank. But this is not a joke.
Rivers played his final snaps as a member of the Colts during the 2020 season, five years ago. In his final year in the NFL, a 39-year-old Rivers led Indy to an 11-5 record while throwing for 4,169 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
At 44, Rivers is older than Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger, with whom he entered the 2004 NFL Draft over two decades ago. Saying this is a desperation move somehow doesn't feel like a strong enough statement. But perhaps the Colts are taking notice of what Aaron Rodgers (42) still has left in the tank, believing they can get something similar from Rivers.
Philip Rivers could be the Indianapolis Colts' version of Aaron Rodgers for the rest of the 2025 season
Not only is Daniel Jones out for the season with an Achilles injury, but 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson—who lost the QB battle to Jones early in the offseason—is still on IR with an orbital injury. Meanwhile, sixth-round rookie quarterback Riley Leonard is dealing with a knee injury.
Instead of scouring the free agent market for an underwhelming option who would need to come in and learn the system, the Colts are looking directly at the last QB they had success with before Jones came to town.
If Rivers is attempt a comeback for any team, it would be the Colts.
Whoever ends up being under center in Indianapolis is currently graced with an excellent offensive line and an outstanding rushing attack. Not to take anything away from the miraculous season Jones was having, but this creates a perfect situation for a retired QB (like Rivers) to attempt a comeback.
As Rodgers has mostly been for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rivers could be a 'game manager' in Indy. The best part is that the 44-year-old quarterback would only need to play in (at most) five regular-season games, plus the playoffs (if the 8-5 Colts can find a way to sneak back into a playoff spot by the end of the season).
After having a powerful start to the 2025 season, the last thing head coach Shane Steichen wants is for his team to fall apart down the stretch because they don't have a quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on track to win their division and host a playoff game with a 42-year-old quarterback. If Philip Rivers is healthy and in shape, perhaps he could come out of retirement and give the Colts just enough to earn a playoff berth this season. What's an extra two years, right?
If only the Steelers could have done the same with Ben Roethlisberger instead of suffering through Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky after his retirement.