Retirement can wait for certain legends like Philip Rivers, who could return to the gridiron very soon. The quarterback’s retirement might be short-lived, as he turned 44 this Monday. However, his age does not stop NFL interest. In fact, the Indianapolis Colts are bringing him in for a crucial workout.
They scheduled the session for this Tuesday. Several reports suggest they could sign him immediately, as the team’s need is urgent and evident. The news arrives at a dramatic moment because a sports tragedy happened just 24 hours ago.
Quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a devastating injury. He tore his Achilles tendon last Sunday, and the injury ended his season immediately. This happened during the tough loss to the Jaguars, with a final score of 36-19. Additionally, rookie Riley Leonard also has physical issues; in fact, he struggles weekly with a knee injury. The Colts have run out of viable options.
A key link on the bench
Rivers has not played professionally since 2020 and officially retired from the NFL just in July. However, NFL Network recently reported on the workout’s purpose. They will evaluate if he can join the practice squad.
According to a New York Post report, ESPN’s Adam Schefter raised a reasonable doubt, as it remains unclear if Rivers really wants to play again. “While the Colts need to evaluate Philip Rivers… The team must see what physical shape he is in… The former quarterback, now a grandfather, must also decide if he is willing to play.”
🚨 Colts are “planning to bring” Philip Rivers into their facility Tuesday to work out and see if he may join their practice squad, per @RapSheet and @MikeGarafolo
Rivers is 44 years old and retired initially in 2021 pic.twitter.com/qCQuqUnpkp— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 9, 2025
Schefter added that Rivers is intrigued enough. That is why he decided to fly to Indianapolis for the tryout. Rivers knows the Colts organization well because he played one season with them a few years ago. He spent his other 16 years with the Chargers until, in 2020, he led Indy to the playoffs. The Bills eliminated them in the Wild Card round. He threw for over 4,000 yards that campaign and achieved 24 touchdowns in that last active year.
But that was five years ago. No one knows how much remains of those skills today. Recently he coached at a high school in Alabama, and now the connection with the current head coach is vital. Shane Steichen served as his quarterbacks coach before. They even coincided at the Chargers between 2016 and 2019. That relationship will facilitate his unexpected return.
