Colts may start Philip Rivers in Week 15; history suggests that it wouldn't go well

Shockingly, the Indianapolis Colts have lured 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement. Even more stunning is that he may start in Week 15.

Colts starting QB Daniel Jones tore his right Achilles tendon in a 36-19 Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. His backup, Anthony Richardson, remains on injured reserve because of a facial fracture. Rookie QB Riley Leonard is battling a knee injury, making his status for Sunday's road game against the Seattle Seahawks uncertain. Fifth-year QB Brett Rypien, who has a 2-2 starting record, is the only other QB on their practice squad. 

That may thrust Rivers — who last played in 2020 — into the starting lineup. If he starts against Seattle, history says it won't go well for the fourth pick of the 2004 NFL Draft.

Who else has returned after a lengthy hiatus?

Former journeyman QB Steve DeBerg — who first retired after his age-39 season in 1993 — started a game for the Atlanta Falcons during the 1998 season.

On Oct. 25, 1998, DeBerg filled in for an injured Chris Chandler in a road game against the New York Jets. It went how you would guess. In a 28-3 Falcons loss, he completed 9-of-20 passes for 117 yards and one interception. The New York Times wrote that he "looked every day" of 44. 

Things could go even worse for Rivers if he plays on Sunday. At least, the Falcons signed DeBerg before the start of the 1998 season, giving him an offseason to knock off rust.

Rivers has been coaching his eldest son, QB Gunner, at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. On X, CBS analyst and former Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt shared that he runs the same offense as Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Per Watt, the Colts coach and the former San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers star have discussed plays weekly.