Report: Indianapolis Colts planning to work out QB Philip Rivers

Cue the Disney music.

With starting quarterback Daniel Jones done for the season because of a torn right Achilles and backup Riley Leonard dealing with a knee injury, the Indianapolis Colts could be turning to 44-year-old Philip Rivers.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Philip Rivers

Rivers, who retired following the 2020 season, is reportedly scheduled for a workout on Tuesday. However, there’s been no firm decision on Indianapolis’ interest, while Rivers also hasn’t decided whether he wants to make a comeback.

Rivers was drafted fourth overall by the New York Giants, who then traded him to the San Diego Chargers. He spent the first 16 years of his career with the Chargers, with the franchise eventually moving to Los Angeles.

An eight-time Pro Bowler, Rivers led the Chargers to the playoffs six times and won four division titles. He also reached the postseason with Indianapolis in his 17th and final NFL season.

There are obvious questions on Rivers’ ability to get back to football shape, but he does have a familiarity with the Colts’ offensive setup. In addition to playing his last NFL season with the Colts, current head coach Shane Steichen spent time as the offensive coordinator when Rivers was with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis is banking on Rivers’ familiarity giving them a chance to stay competitive over the final four games of the regular season.

The 8-5 Colts still have a shot at winning AFC South over the 8-5 Houston Texans and 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars. Indianapolis ends the season with games against Jacksonville and Houston, which could decide the division.

The fact the Colts are even considering signing a 44-year-old quarterback who hasn’t played in almost five years clearly indicates how desperate they are. Jones was having a career-year, but suffered a fractured fibula before tearing his Achilles.

Leonard finished the game for Jones on Sunday, a loss to the Jaguars, but he reported a knee injury on Monday. The sixth-round draft pick out of Notre Dame is now considered week-to-week with a strained knee ligament and it’s not know if he will be available for Indy’s game in Seattle on Sunday.

Anthony Richardson is also on injured reserve, leaving practice squad QB Brett Rypien as the only healthy option under centre.