Philip Rivers to start at QB for Colts vs. Seahawks days after coming out of retirement

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Philip Rivers is set to start for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Rivers recently came out of retirement after a string of injuries at quarterback for the Colts. Now, at over 40 years old, he is getting thrown into a game in the middle of a divisional title race.

“The #Colts will start QB Philip Rivers on Sunday against the #Seahawks, sources tell The Insiders,” Rapoport said via X. “Age 44, out of retirement, after a full week of practice, Rivers is a go.”

Rivers last played during the 2020 season, even joking with reporters about not using Zoom when walking in for a press conference. He led the Colts to an 11-5 season, throwing for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Unfortunately, it was a one-and-done performance in the playoffs, losing to the Buffalo Bills by three in the AFC Wild Card Round.

However, a lot has changed over the last five years. Just this past season, three different quarterbacks have been in the mix for Indianapolis. Injuries have followed, beginning with Anthony Richardson. Daniel Jones then tore his Achilles in Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans.

Rookie Riley Leonard came out of the bullpen, only to find himself dealing with a knee issue. Rivers has been handed the keys to the car for a team that suddenly finds itself in third place of the AFC South.

Phillips Rivers jokes with reporters over current weight

At 44 years old with 10 kids at home and also having the title of grandfather, it’s fair to question what kind of physical shape Rivers is in. During his Wednesday press conference with the Indianapolis media, he was asked point-blank what he weighs at this moment. In true Rivers fashion, his answer got plenty of laughter out of the room.

“Right this second? I’m not sure,” Rivers said, via FOX59 News. “How about that? That’s an honest answer… Not what it was when I walked off the field in Buffalo, I can tell you that,” Rivers said. “But I’ll follow that up with I ain’t ever run away from anybody anyway. People say, ‘Well, they know you’re gonna be right there.’ It’s like, they knew that for 16, 17 years.”

Sunday should be a must-watch game with Rivers getting under center. Indianapolis needs a win as badly as anyone.

On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report