The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up to face off against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, and in a move that's been highly anticipated, Philip Rivers is expected to start at quarterback, according to a source close to the team. This development comes after Rivers was elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster on Saturday, making him eligible to take the field. The 44-year-old quarterback, who came out of retirement to help the Colts address their quarterback situation following Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury, will be making his first start in over 1,800 days.
Rivers' return to the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable. After retiring in 2020 and last playing in a playoff game in January 2021, he's been thrust back into the spotlight, and his addition to the Colts' roster has significant implications. Not only will he be facing off against a talented Seattle defense, but he'll also be putting his potential Hall of Fame eligibility on hold until 2031. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Rivers has been impressive in practice, with Colts coach Shane Steichen praising his performance, saying, "A guy that hasn't been out there in five years, to go and practice the way he did this week was pretty impressive to watch."
Steichen's comments suggest that Rivers has been taking things one day at a time, focusing on getting back up to speed and leading his teammates. "He's not here to save the season," Steichen said. "He's here to be a great leader, a great teammate, go out there, operate the offense, get us in and out of the right plays. And that's the process, and that's the way he's taken it, flowing with it one day at a time."
The Colts have been working to simulate game situations in practice, but as Steichen noted, nothing can truly replicate the speed and intensity of a real game. Rivers will need to be able to adjust quickly to the pace of the game, and his ability to do so will be crucial in determining the outcome. The team has been trying to balance the excitement surrounding Rivers' return with realistic expectations, recognizing that he's not a magic solution to all their problems.
As the Colts prepare to face off against the Seahawks, they'll be looking to Rivers to provide leadership and stability at the quarterback position. With his wealth of experience and knowledge of the game, he's well-equipped to make a positive impact, even if it's been a while since he last took the field. The key will be his ability to execute the offense and make plays when it counts. As Steichen said, "You try to do it in practice as best you can. Obviously, the game is a little different. The game speed will be a little different for him, so that'll be an acclimation period for him if he's out there."
As the NFL world watches with bated breath, one thing is certain: Philip Rivers' return to the gridiron is a story for the ages. With his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for the game, he's proven once again that he's a force to be reckoned with, even at 44. The question on everyone's mind is, what can we expect from him on Sunday? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: it's going to be an exciting ride.
The NFL Network was the first to report that Rivers is expected to start on Sunday, and as the news continues to spread, fans and pundits alike are weighing in on what this means for the Colts and the rest of the league. With Rivers at the helm, the Colts will be looking to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs. It's a tall order, but with his experience and leadership, they may just have a chance. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the anticipation is building, and the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable game.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
