The Indianapolis Colts are set to activate quarterback Philip Rivers from their practice squad, making him eligible to play against the Seattle Seahawks on March 10, 2024. This decision follows Rivers’ return from retirement, which he initially announced after the 2020 season. Sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Rivers will officially join the 53-man active roster ahead of the game, filling the gap left by Daniel Jones, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Rivers, now 44 years old, has not played a competitive game since January 2021, when he participated in a playoff match. His contract with the Colts saw him signed to the practice squad, which required him to be added to the active roster before participating in games. The coaching staff expressed optimism regarding Rivers’ performance in practice, with head coach Shane Steichen noting the quarterback’s impressive adaptation during the week.
Rivers’ Return and Team Dynamics
Steichen refrained from naming a starter immediately, but indications suggest that Rivers is on track to lead the team against Seattle’s formidable defense. “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 stated. The anticipation surrounding Rivers’ return has generated significant energy within the Colts’ locker room, but the coaching staff is cautious about setting overly high expectations.
“Realistic expectations are important,” Steichen emphasized. “He’s not here to save the season. He’s here to be a great leader, a great teammate, and to operate the offense effectively.” The Colts are navigating uncharted territory as they prepare for a game with a veteran quarterback who has not played in nearly 1,800 days.
To simulate game scenarios, the team has made efforts during practice, but Steichen acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from practice to the actual game environment. “The game speed will be a little different for him, so that’ll be an acclimation period if he’s out there,” he explained.
Looking Ahead
The Colts are keenly aware of the significance of Rivers’ comeback, particularly as he was recently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With the game approaching, Steichen plans to conduct a final assessment with Rivers to ensure he is physically prepared for the challenges of a live game.
As the Colts gear up for the Seattle matchup, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Rivers’ performance. His journey from retirement back to the field is not just a personal milestone but also a pivotal moment for the team as they seek to navigate a challenging season.
