After over 1,800 days without throwing an NFL pass, 44-year-old grandpa Philip Rivers got off his couch and started a game for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. While the Colts only lost by two points on a game-winning field goal, some believe Rivers doesn’t deserve a second start, which is set to come on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers.
Rivers finished the game with just 120 yards, a touchdown, and an interception on 27 passing attempts. Those numbers won’t impress anyone. The film Rivers put on tape didn’t look good to ESPN’s NFL analyst Ben Solak either.
“After one game of Rivers, albeit against a great defense without two starting tackles, I’d play Leonard if and when he’s healthy. I’d play Anthony Richardson Sr. if and when he’s healthy. Rivers exceeded my expectations for a 44-year-old right off his couch, and the Colts are clearly pot committed to this Hail Mary of a personnel change — Steichen has already committed to Rivers as his Week 16 starter. It’s probably water under the bridge in a lost season anyway. His limitations take too many cards out of Steichen’s playcalling deck for my liking.”
ESPN’s Ben Solak on Colts QB room
The Colts benching Rivers after pulling him out of retirement following just one start would be shocking. Yet, considering the implications, with the Colts practically needing to win out to earn a playoff spot, it would be hard to blame head coach Shane Steichen for considering all his options ahead of another important game on Monday.
Yet, the Colts’ options remain limited. Anthony Richardson was just medically cleared to return to practice on Monday. Though, he’ll likely need some time to return to top form. Plus, he still hasn’t been activated off injured reserve.
That leaves just Rivers and sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard as the only possible options for the Colts. Yet, the idea of throwing a 22-year-old Leonard out there clearly doesn’t excite the team, which is why they made the decision to add Rivers instead.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Where Does Philip Rivers Rank?
