Colts activate 44-year-old Rivers for NFL game at Seattle
The Colts, who have lost two quarterbacks to injury this season, announced the move five days after Rivers worked out for them on his birthday. He was later signed to the practice squad.
Indianapolis (8-5) shares second with Houston in the AFC South, one game behind division-leader Jacksonville and just behind the Texans in the fight for a wildcard playoff berth.
The Colts, who began the season 7-1, have lost three consecutive games and are desperate at the quarterback spot with starter Daniel Jones suffering a torn Achilles tendon last Sunday to end his campaign.
Rookie backup Riley Leonard suffered a knee injury after filling in for Jones. Anthony Richardson went on to injured reserve earlier this season with a broken orbital eye bone.
Colts coach Shane Steichen said Friday he had not decided who would be his starting quarterback against the Seahawks. Leonard took part in practice this week and veteran quarterback Brett Rypien was added to the roster from the practice squad as well.
Rivers was given jersey number 17, his old number with the Colts, with the approval of Jones, who wore the number all season.
As a quarterback coach, Steichen oversaw Rivers from 2016-2019 during his years with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers so he quarterback is familiar with the offensive schemes Steichen uses.
"A coach that I love and an organization that I really enjoyed being with," Rivers said when asked what motivated his NFL return.
By putting Rivers on the 53-man roster, the Colts ended his eligibility to join the American Football Hall of Fame in 2026. He was a candidate but must now wait at least five more years for another chance.
Rivers ranks sixth in career NFL passing touchdowns with 421, seventh all-time with 63,440 passing yards and ninth in league history with 5,277 completions.
The Colts sent tackle Braden Smith to injured reserve to make room on the roster for Rivers. Smith suffered a neck injury last week and will miss the team's last four games of the season.
Rivers has not taken a snap in an NFL game since January 8, 2021 in a 27-24 Colts' playoff loss to Buffalo.
Since throwing for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns in the 2020 season for Indianapolis, Rivers has become a grandfather and high school football coach, guiding St. Michael Catholic to a 44-16 record from 2021-2025, including a 13-1 run by the Alabama school this year.