- Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement this week, is expected to start Sunday for the Indianapolis Colts against the Seattle Seahawks.
- The Colts elevated Rivers from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, making him eligible to play.
- Rivers, 44, last played in January 2021 and was signed to help replace Daniel Jones after a season-ending Achilles injury.
Rivers to start Sunday after surprise return
Philip Rivers’ comeback will continue on Sunday as the newly unretired quarterback is expected to start for the Indianapolis Colts against the Seattle Seahawks, a source told ESPN. The Colts moved Rivers from the practice squad to their 53-man active roster Saturday, clearing him to play.
Rivers, 44, announced his return this week after stepping away following the 2020 season. He last took the field in a playoff game in January 2021. The Colts signed him to provide experience and stability after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Colts say practices went well
Coach Shane Steichen described Rivers’ early practices as encouraging. “I’ll say it was pretty good,” Steichen said, noting that a player who hasn’t played in five years looked sharp in drills. The coach planned a final check-in with Rivers after Friday’s practice to confirm his arm and legs were handling the sudden return.
“A guy that hasn’t been out there in five years, to go and practice the way he did this week was pretty impressive to watch,” Steichen added. He also tempered expectations, reminding reporters the team has been simulating game situations but that true game speed will be an adjustment for Rivers.
Role, expectations and team outlook
Steichen emphasized Rivers is not being presented as a season savior. Instead, the veteran’s role is to lead, operate the offense, and make the right plays.
“He’s not here to save the season,” Steichen said. “He’s here to be a great leader, a great teammate, go out there, operate the offense, get us in and out of the right plays.”
The Colts want to harness the energy and leadership Rivers brings while keeping a realistic view of the challenges ahead. Facing a tough Seattle defense in his first game back will test Rivers’ acclimation to game speed after more than 1,800 days away from live NFL action.
What to watch Sunday
- How Rivers handles pre-snap reads and the timing with Colts receivers.
- The Colts’ ability to balance short, quick passes against Seattle’s pass rush.
- Whether Rivers’ presence steadies the offense and boosts the Colts’ locker-room morale.
With Rivers elevated to the active roster and cleared to play, all eyes will be on Lucas Oil Stadium when the Colts host the Seahawks Sunday. Fans and fantasy managers alike will be watching game-day reports for confirmation and any late changes.
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