Indianapolis, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts have officially signed veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, marking his return to the NFL after nearly three years in retirement. The 44-year-old Rivers, who led the Colts to the playoffs during the 2020 season, was brought back to the team’s practice squad, according to an announcement made Wednesday.

Rivers’ reunion with the Colts follows a workout on Monday, where the coaching staff evidently liked what they observed. This move comes at a critical juncture for the Colts, who currently hold an 8-5 record and find themselves battling for a playoff spot amid a growing injury crisis within their quarterback ranks.

Starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, further complicating the Colts’ situation. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson, the team’s backup and a first-round draft pick in 2023, is sidelined due to an orbital fracture incurred during a pregame warmup mishap in Week 6.

Riley Leonard, a sixth-round rookie, stepped in for Jones during the game but also faced injury, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The only other quarterback currently on the active roster is Brett Rypien, adding urgency to the Colts’ search for a solution.

Rivers has strong ties to the franchise that extend beyond his playing tenure. He has relationships with several current Colts players, including Michael Pittman Jr. and Quenton Nelson, and shares a long-standing friendship with the team’s head coach, Shane Steichen. The two first collaborated while Steichen served in various coaching roles with the Los Angeles Chargers during Rivers’ time there.

“He and I see the game a lot alike,” Rivers remarked about Steichen in a podcast earlier this year, illustrating their mutual understanding of offensive strategy. This rapport could prove beneficial as Rivers reorients himself with the team’s playbook and game plans.

In addition to his professional connections, Rivers has also been a mentor to Leonard, who hails from Fairhope, Alabama, close to Rivers’ home. The two have trained together, and Leonard has credited Rivers with teaching him the importance of precision in their craft as quarterbacks.

After retiring, Rivers took on coaching young athletes at St. Michael Catholic School in Fairhope, further demonstrating his commitment to football beyond the professional arena. Earlier this year, he signed a one-day contract with the Chargers to officially retire as a member of that franchise.

Rivers’ return could also carry implications for his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Should he join the Colts’ active roster, his eligibility for enshrinement would be delayed by an additional five years, yet his illustrious career remains marked by substantial achievements, including eight Pro Bowl selections.

With Rivers back on the scene, the Colts hope his experience and leadership can guide a young quarterback corps and help them secure a playoff berth as the season winds down.