Are Colts planning to start Philip Rivers vs. Seahawks after remarkable return?

One of the most unexpected returns in NFL history became a reality when multiple reports confirmed on Tuesday that the Indianapolis Colts were signing 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad. 

According to NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Rivers may not be a spectator when the 8-5 Colts play at the 10-3 Seattle Seahawks this coming Sunday. 

Insider expects Colts to make this Philip Rivers call for Seahawks game

"I will not at all be surprised if Philip Rivers takes every first-team rep this week at practice for the Indianapolis Colts," Jones said during a Tuesday afternoon appearance on CBS Sports HQ. "I will not at all be surprised, at this point ... if Philip Rivers starts this upcoming Sunday for the Indianapolis Colts."

The Colts lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones to a season-ending torn Achilles tendon during the club's 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Sunday. Rookie Riley Leonard took over for Jones during that game, but ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t Stephen Holder) has since revealed that Leonard is considered week-to-week with a strained knee ligament. 

Meanwhile, backup Anthony Richardson Sr. remains out of action due to the orbital fracture he suffered during a pregame warmup ahead of Indianapolis' Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Journeyman quarterback Brett Rypien was on the Colts' practice squad as of Tuesday morning. 

As for Rivers, he hasn't played since the 2020 season but seemingly flirted with coming out of retirement on multiple occasions before Tuesday's developments. He previously had Colts head coach Shane Steichen as his offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers. 

What must Philip Rivers do to play vs. Seahawks?

"He has to get through the practice week," Jones added about Rivers possibly playing as soon as the afternoon of Dec. 14. "He has to get through it healthy. His hamstring has to stay on the bone. But I think he's going to start this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. I'd be shocked if he doesn't. ...Brett Rypien is there on the practice squad. But clearly, if they felt good about Brett Rypien, I don't think they'd be calling Philip Rivers out of retirement."

Shortly after Jones offered his update, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Colts as massive 13.5-point underdogs against the Seahawks. Currently, Indianapolis trails only the 8-5 Houston Texans in the battle for the AFC's final wild-card playoff spot. 

The Texans beat the Colts in Week 13.