INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts promoted 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to the active roster on Saturday, making him eligible to play and possibly even start in Sunday’s crucial game in Seattle.
Indy (8-5) brought the Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist out of retirement on Tuesday by signing him to its practice squad. Rivers practiced all week but hasn’t rested since his career appeared to be over after the 2020 season.
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The move to add Rivers to the active roster would take him off the Hall of Fame ballot for the 2026 class. Rivers was selected as one of 26 semifinalists last month, with 15 finalists expected to be announced later this month.
Rivers will no longer meet Hall of Fame rules that require a player to be out of the league for at least five years before his candidacy can be considered. Rivers could now be a candidate for the class of 2031 at the earliest.
Prior to signing Rivers, head coach Sean Steichen confirmed that starting quarterback Daniel Jones would miss the remainder of the season with a torn right Achilles tendon. Jones, who wore No. 17 with the Colts, underwent surgery earlier this week, now allowing Rivers to wear the No. 17 jersey he wore throughout his long NFL career.
Indy has lost three straight and four of its past five games, falling from the AFC South lead to a tie for second with the Houston Texans. The Colts have also moved into the eighth seed in the seven-team playoff field. The Seahawks (10-3) are trying to stay in the NFC West title race.
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The Colts believe Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler, 2013 NFL Comeback Player of the Year and 2011 Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist, can salvage their playoff hopes. Rivers still ranks in the top 10 in wins, career attempts, completions, passing yards, touchdown passes and 300-yard games.
Additionally, rookie Riley Leonard could also be making his first career start. But he’s been dealing with a right knee injury all week, and the only other quarterback on Indy’s roster is veteran Brett Rypien, who was also promoted from the practice squad to the active roster this week.
Indy also activated receiver Coleman Owen and defensive tackle Chris Wormley from the practice squad to the active roster and removed defensive end Tyquan Lewis from questionable status.
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