In a move that defies conventional NFL timelines, 44-year-old Philip Rivers will start at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, nearly five years after he last took an NFL snap.
The team elevated Rivers from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday, confirming that the eight-time Pro Bowler will lead the offense in a critical Week 15 matchup. The decision comes amidst a dire injury crisis for the Colts (8-5), who lost starter Daniel Jones to a season-ending Achilles tear last week and remain without backup Anthony Richardson due to an orbital fracture.
An Unprecedented Return
Rivers, who retired following the 2020 season, becomes one of the oldest quarterbacks to ever start an NFL game. His return resets his Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility, which had seen him named a semifinalist for the Class of 2026 just weeks ago. He will now not be eligible again until 2031.
“He’s not here to save the season,” head coach Shane Steichen said Friday regarding expectations. “He’s here to be a great leader, a great teammate, go out there, operate the offense, and get us in and out of the right plays.”
Despite the coach’s tempered expectations, the stakes are high. The Colts are fighting for an AFC playoff spot, and Rivers’ experience is seen as the team’s best hope to steady the ship over rookie Riley Leonard, who is also nursing a knee injury.
Health Concerns and “Game Speed”
While Rivers’ return has energized the fanbase, it has also raised legitimate questions regarding player safety and physical conditioning. At 44, Rivers faces a Seattle defense ranked fourth in the league in sacks (41).
Rivers himself acknowledged the physical risks earlier this week with his trademark humor, joking that while he could get through a game, he “may need a wheelchair the next morning.”
His wife, Tiffany Rivers, expressed more serious reservations.
“She’s nervous about the physical aspect of it, as you expect any wife to be,” Rivers told reporters. “Whether you’re 24 in the best shape, or you’re 44 and not so sure, anything can happen.”
Medical experts and analysts note that the speed of the game will be the primary hurdle.
“The game is a little different [than practice],” Steichen admitted. “The game speed will be a little different for him, so that’ll be an acclimation period.”
Rivers will be playing behind an offensive line missing starting right tackle Braden Smith, who was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a neck injury. Rookie Jalen Travis is expected to step in, adding another layer of vulnerability to the veteran quarterback’s protection.
A Historic Precedent
If Rivers takes the first snap on Sunday, he will join a small fraternity of quarterbacks to start a game at age 44 or older, a list that includes Tom Brady, Steve DeBerg, and Warren Moon. However, unlike Brady or Moon who played continuously, Rivers is attempting to bridge a four-season gap of inactivity—a feat with little modern precedent.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET at Lumen Field in Seattle.
