INDIANAPOLIS — Philip Rivers was watching the Colts fall to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday when he saw quarterback Daniel Jones suffer a brutal Achilles injury.
“I saw it happen live,” said Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler who officially rejoined the Colts this week, five years after retiring. The reunion also brings him back alongside close friend and current head coach Shane Steichen.
“I felt awful for Daniel… and honestly, I did think, ‘I wonder if Shane might call.’”
A few hours later, Steichen did call — and Rivers was open to the conversation. After discussing the possibility with his wife, family, and a few trusted advisors, Rivers phoned the Colts on Tuesday morning with his answer.
“When I asked him what he thought,” Steichen said Wednesday, “he said, ‘Dadgummit, let’s freaking go.’”
And with that trademark Rivers enthusiasm, the next chapter in his remarkable career began. Indianapolis is dealing with injuries to Jones, who was placed on injured reserve, and backup Riley Leonard, who has a right knee issue but returned as a full practice participant Wednesday. That uncertainty prompted the team to reach out to Rivers.
Even with Leonard’s health improving, the Colts are seriously considering starting Rivers on Sunday — if he proves ready in practice.
“We’ll see how the week goes,” Steichen said. “We’ll make that decision at the end of the week.” When asked if Rivers could play even if Leonard is cleared, Steichen stood firm: “It depends on how he feels.”
One thing Rivers has already contributed: energy. He arrived Wednesday with the same contagious excitement teammates and coaches knew well from his 17 seasons in the league.
He said he returned simply because the love for the game never left.
“It’s a game I love. I thought I was done, and I wasn’t hoping for another chance. I figured that ship had sailed,” Rivers said. “But something about this opportunity excited me. When a door opens, you either walk through it or you run from it.”
Rivers admitted reacclimating to the physical side of the game will be a real test.
“I’m picking it back up,” he said. “It’s still a physical, fast game, with big, fast dudes — just like before. So I’m taking it day by day. But being back in this building feels right.”
His chances of playing on Sunday may seem unlikely, but Rivers’ deep familiarity with Steichen’s system gives him a major edge. Steichen coached him for six years with the Chargers and was his interim offensive coordinator in 2019, Rivers’ final season. Much of the terminology and structure remains unchanged.
“That’s huge — seeing the call sheet Tuesday morning and knowing every play,” Rivers said.
As for his Hall of Fame timeline, Rivers insists it didn’t factor into his decision. He is eligible in 2026, but joining the active roster would reset his five-year waiting period until 2031.
“I’m not sitting around counting down to the Hall,” he said. “If I ever get to be part of that group, it would be special, no doubt. But delaying that wasn’t part of my thinking.”
