NFL Legend Philip Rivers, Who Hasn’t Played In Five Years, Working Out For Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts will work out Philip Rivers on Tuesday as the team scrambles to find quarterback depth during a playoff push.

The Colts could sign the 44-year-old to the practice squad, according to NFL Network. Rivers last played in the NFL during the 2020 season and has spent his retirement coaching high school football at St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Alabama.

The Colts lost starter Daniel Jones to a torn right Achilles during Sunday’s 36-19 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones was already playing on a broken fibula. Rookie Riley Leonard replaced Jones but is dealing with a knee injury. Anthony Richardson remains sidelined with an orbital fracture suffered in October in bizarre fashion.

No decision has been made by either side, ESPN reported. (RELATED: Colts Are Talking With Philip Rivers, No Deal Has Been Reached)

With Daniel Jones out for the year and Riley Leonard week to week with a strained knee ligament, the Colts will work out QB Philip Rivers on Tuesday, as NFL Network reported.

It is Rivers’ birthday today; he turned 44 years old and last played in the NFL in 2020. pic.twitter.com/UrFvHsTVD5

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2025

Head coach Shane Steichen has extensive history with Rivers. Steichen served as Rivers’ quarterbacks coach with the Chargers from 2016 to 2019 and became interim offensive coordinator in Rivers’ final season with Los Angeles. That familiarity with Steichen’s system gives Rivers an advantage over other free agent options.

Rivers finished his career with the Colts in 2020. He completed 68% of his passes for 4,169 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Indianapolis went 11-5 and earned a wild card berth before losing to the Buffalo Bills in the first round.

The Colts sit at 8-5 and hold the tiebreaker against the Houston Texans for the final AFC playoff spot. Four games remain on the schedule against the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars and Texans.

Rivers played 17 NFL seasons and threw for 63,440 career yards with 421 touchdowns. He’s 7th all time in passing yards.