Colts quarterback Philip Rivers plays against the Bills in a 2020 AFC playoff game in Orchard Park, New York on Jan. 9, 2021.

The Indianapolis Colts are in dire straits at quarterback after Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles tear.

The Colts' normal backup quarterback, Anthony Richardson, is on IR because of a fractured orbital bone. Meanwhile, third-string quarterback Riley Leonard is nursing a knee injury that has thrown his status moving forward into question.

Just how desperate are the Colts for quarterback help? Indianapolis is considering signing a player who hasn't suited up in five years to provide depth at the position.

That would be Philip Rivers. The former Colts quarterback is working out for the team as the two parties mull a potential reunion in the hopes of keeping Indianapolis' playoff hopes alive.

Here's what to know about Rivers' workout with the Colts and whether he will attempt one of the most improbable NFL comebacks in recent memory.

Is Philip Rivers coming back?

The Colts are expected to sign Philip Rivers to their practice squad after the Hall of Fame semifinalist worked out for them, per multiple reports.

Rivers worked out for the Colts on Monday, Dec. 8, and "threw the ball well," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Talks between the veteran quarterback and the 8-5 Colts are "ongoing" following the workout, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reports that if the Colts do sign Rivers, he would join the team's practice squad. The plan would then be to start Leonard – if healthy – while having the veteran Rivers in tow as an experienced starting option to assist the sixth-round rookie.

Oldest NFL players 2025

Rivers turned 44 on Monday, Dec. 8. If he does join the Colts, he will immediately become the oldest player on an NFL roster or practice squad, taking the mantle from 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers.

Below is a look at the oldest players for the 2025 NFL season:

  • Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: 42 years old
  • Nick Folk, K, New York Jets: 41 years old
  • Matt Prater, K, Buffalo Bills: 41 years old
  • Marcedes Lewis, TE, Denver Broncos: 41 years old
  • Joe Flacco, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: 40 years old
  • J.J. Jansen, LS, Carolina Panthers: 39 years old
  • Jon Weeks, LS, San Francisco 49ers: 39 years old
  • Morgan Cox, LS, Tennessee Titans: 39 years old
  • Thomas Morstead, P, San Francisco 49ers: 39 years old
  • Josh Johnson, QB, Washington Commanders: 39 years old
  • Calais Campbell, DL, Arizona Cardinals: 39 years old

While Rivers would be the oldest active NFL player, he would still fall well short of George Blanda's all-time record. The quarterback-slash-kicker played 26 total NFL seasons and was 48 during his final campaign with the then-Oakland Raiders in 1975.

When did Philip Rivers retire?

Rivers retired following the 2020 NFL season, his lone campaign as a member of the Colts. He led Indianapolis to an 11-5 record while completing 68% of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The Colts made it into the 2020 NFL playoffs as the AFC's No. 7 seed, losing their wild-card matchup against the Buffalo Bills 27-24. Rivers completed 27 of 46 passes (58.7%) for 309 yards and two touchdowns in the contest before retiring during the offseason.

Philip Rivers career stats

Below is a look at Rivers' stats from his 17-year career:

  • Record: 134-106
  • Completion rate: 64.9%
  • Passing yards: 63,440
  • Passing TDs: 421
  • Interceptions: 209
  • Passer rating: 95.2

Rivers ranked sixth all time in passing yards at the time of his retirement in 2020 and fifth in touchdown passes. He has since been passed in both categories by Aaron Rodgers.

Rivers' numbers were strong enough to make him a Hall of Fame semifinalist ahead of his first year of eligibility in 2026. If he returns to play in the NFL, his clock would reset, requiring him to wait an additional five years before drawing consideration for a gold jacket.

Philip Rivers career earnings

Rivers earned just over $243.9 million during his playing career, per Spotrac.com. That presently makes him the 13th-highest-paid player in NFL history.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Philip Rivers coming back? Latest news as Colts work out QB

Reporting by Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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