Report: Colts signing Rivers to practice squad

The Indianapolis Colts are signing quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rivers hasn't appeared in an NFL game in almost five years, starting for the Colts in their wild-card matchup against the Buffalo Bills in January 2021 before announcing his retirement.

The 44-year-old joins Indianapolis after he reportedly worked out for the team on Monday evening. Rivers spent most of his 17-year career with the Los Angeles Chargers (2004-19) before playing with the Colts in his final season.

Rivers is currently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2026. However, if he's added to Indy's active roster, his five-year waiting period to be eligible for the Hall of Fame would restart, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Players can only appear on the HOF ballot after being retired for five full seasons.

The eight-time Pro Bowler could offer a solution at quarterback for Indianapolis following Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles tear in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Backup Riley Leonard is also dealing with a PCL sprain that could make his status for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks uncertain.

The Colts don't have many other options at quarterback. Preferred backup Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve due to an eye injury, while Brett Rypien is also on the Colts' practice squad.

Rivers' addition reunites him with head coach Shane Steichen, who served as the Chargers' offensive coordinator when Rivers was the team's starting signal-caller.

Rivers led the Colts to an 11-5 record in 2020, passing for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 68% of his passes.

With an 8-5 record and four regular-season games left, the Colts sit outside the AFC playoff field.