(NewsNation) — The Indianapolis Colts bolstered their injury-depleted quarterback roster Tuesday by bringing 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement and signing him to the practice squad, according to NewsNation local affiliate WXIN sources.
The last quarterback to lead the Indianapolis Colts into the playoffs is being signed to the practice squad with the intention of helping a wavering team post a late push to the postseason, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Rivers was put through a workout Monday evening – his 44th birthday – and the throwing portion went well, which was expected. He’s been throwing regularly while coaching his son Gunner’s high school team in Fairhope, Alabama.
The issue always was going to be whether Rivers could get himself into football shape again. He last played Jan. 9, 2021, in the Colts’ 27-24 playoff loss at Buffalo.
The 2020 season was the last year of Rivers’ Hall of Fame-worthy 17-year career.
Reaching out to Rivers was a direct result of the Colts’ dire situation at quarterback following last Sunday’s 36-19 loss at Jacksonville.
Daniel Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon late in the first quarter. He is expected to have surgery this week.
Rookie backup Riley Leonard replaced Jones and played reasonably well – 18-of-29, 145 yards, one interception, one rushing touchdown – but suffered a sprained posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his right knee, according to NFL Network.
The Colts haven’t ruled Leonard out for Sunday’s road test at Seattle, but it’s conceivable they’ll have to turn to Brett Rypien, who was signed to the practice squad on Oct. 15 after Anthony Richardson Sr. suffered a fractured orbital bone.
NewsNation local affiliate WXIN and The Associated Press contributed to this report.