The Colts on Saturday signed quarterback Philip Rivers to the 53-man roster from the practice squad ahead of their Week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
The 44-year-old Rivers, who signed with the Colts' practice squad on Wednesday after being retired for nearly five years, will be available to play on Sunday.
To make room for Rivers, the Colts placed tackle Braden Smith on injured reserve. Smith did not participate in practice this week after sustaining a neck injury and a concussion in the Colts' Week 14 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith will be sidelined for the final four games of the 2025 regular season.
The Colts on Saturday additionally elevated wide receiver Coleman Owen and defensive tackle Chris Wormley to the active roster from the practice squad for Week 15.
Head coach Shane Steichen said Friday afternoon the Colts had not yet decided on who would be the team's starting quarterback against the Seahawks. Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) was a full participant in practice this week after playing the final three quarters of the Colts' Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, while veteran Brett Rypien was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad this week as well.
In being elevated to the Colts' active roster, Rivers is no longer eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Rivers, who's sixth all-time in passing touchdowns (421), seventh in passing yards (63,440) and ninth in completions (5,277), earlier this year was named as one of 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This was Rivers' first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame; he now will not be eligible again for a gold jacket until the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2031.
Rivers on Wednesday said delaying his case for Canton did not impact his thought process in deciding to end his retirement this week.
Rivers will wear No. 17 for the Colts with the support of Daniel Jones, who underwent surgery to repair a season-ending torn Achilles' he sustained in the first quarter of the Colts' Week 14 game against the Jaguars at EverBank Field.
Indianapolis Colts Podcasts discuss Philip Rivers' return:
- [The Jack Doyle Podcast] Jack Doyle's breakdown of what Philip Rivers brings to the Colts in 2025
- [The Colts Show Podcast] Initial reaction to Philip Rivers re-joining Colts
- **[2-Minute Drill Podcast]** What we know about Colts' plans at QB
- **[Inside Football With Rick Venturi]** Full Colts-Seahawks preview
