Philip Rivers, 44, to reportedly swap high-school coaching for NFL in Colts return

The Indianapolis Colts, who have been ravaged by injuries to their quarterbacks, plan to work out 44-year-old Philip Rivers, according to multiple reports.

NFL Network reported that the Colts could sign Rivers – who last played in the 2020 season – to the practice squad. Since his retirement he has coached high school football. This season he led St Michael Catholic Cardinals in his native Alabama to the Class 4A state semi-finals.

Daniel Jones, who was enjoying a resurgence in his first season with the Colts, suffered a season-ending torn achilles in Sunday’s 36-19 loss at Jacksonville. Backup Riley Leonard, who replaced Jones, is dealing with a knee injury, although the 2025 sixth-round draft pick is expected to make the start at Seattle on Sunday. Former first-round pick Anthony Richardson suffered a broken orbital bone in October and has not been medically cleared to return. Veteran Brett Rypien is on the Colts’ practice squad.

The Colts looked set for the postseason when they topped the AFC South with an 8-2 record, but have since lost three games in a row and are just outside the final playoff place in the AFC.

The Colts’ remaining schedule is tough as they face four teams who look set for the postseason: the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars and Texans. However, ESPN reports that the team believe Rivers would give them a chance at making the postseason.

After playing 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Rivers completed his career with the Colts in 2020. He threw for more than 4,000 yards for the 12th time in 13 seasons, tossing 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as the Colts made the playoffs before narrowly losing to the Buffalo Bills in the wildcard round.

Rivers ranks seventh in NFL history for passing yards (63,440) and sixth in touchdown passes (421).