Sources - QB Philip Rivers unretiring to sign with Colts - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Philip Rivers is adding one more chapter to his NFL story.

The longtime star quarterback, who retired after the 2020 season — his 17th in the NFL — is rejoining the Indianapolis Colts on their practice squad, sources told ESPN, amid an injury crisis that has left them with three sidelined quarterbacks.

Rivers worked out for the Colts on Monday evening. The news comes one day after Rivers' 44th birthday, instantly making him the oldest active player in the NFL.

That positions him to be an option to play in place of third-string quarterback Riley Leonard, who sustained a knee injury while relieving Daniel Jones in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones sustained a right Achilles tear and will undergo season-ending surgery this week. Anthony Richardson Sr., who began the season as the No. 2 quarterback, has been on injured reserve since October after suffering a serious facial fracture in an equipment failure involving stretching bands.

It remains to be seen what Rivers' immediate role will be. Leonard's status for the Colts' next game, at the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, is still unclear. The team is hoping for more clarity Wednesday, according to a source.

On Monday, coach Shane Steichen left the door open. When asked whether Leonard would play Sunday, he said, «That's the hope. We'll see how it goes.» A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday night that Leonard had a strained knee ligament and was considered week-to-week.

If Leonard can't play, Rivers might enter the picture. Still remembered fondly at Colts headquarters following his one season with Indianapolis in 2020, Rivers will be reunited with his close friend Steichen. The two previously spent six seasons together in the Chargers