Philip Rivers, 44, to reportedly swap high-school coaching for NFL in Colts return | Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts, who have been ravaged by injuries to their quarterbacks, plan to draft 44-year-old Philip Rivers, according to multiple reports.

NFL Network reported that the Colts could sign Rivers — who last played during the 2020 season — to the practice squad. Since his retirement, he has coached high school football. This season, he led his native Alabama’s St. Michael Catholic Cardinals to the Class 4A state semifinals.

Daniel Jones, who was enjoying a resurgence in his first season with the Colts, suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday’s 36-19 loss at Jacksonville. Backup Riley Leonard, who replaced Jones, is dealing with a knee injury, although the 2025 sixth-round pick is expected to start in Seattle on Sunday. Former first-round pick Anthony Richardson suffered a fractured orbital bone in October and has not been medically cleared to return. Veteran Brett Rypien is on the Colts’ practice squad.

The Colts looked ready for the playoffs when they dominated the AFC South with an 8-2 record, but have since lost three games in a row and are just outside of the AFC’s final playoff spot.

The Colts’ remaining schedule is busy as they face four teams that appear poised for the playoffs: the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars and Texans. However, ESPN reports that the team believes Rivers would give them a chance to make the playoffs.

After playing 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Rivers finished his career with the Colts in 2020. He threw for over 4,000 yards for the 12th time in 13 seasons, throwing 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as the Colts advanced to the playoffs before narrowly losing to the Buffalo Bills in the wild card round.

Rivers ranks seventh in NFL history in passing yards (63,440) and sixth in touchdown passes (421).