The Indianapolis Colts made their reunion with former quarterback Philip Rivers official Wednesday, adding the 44-year-old to the practice squad before his first team workout in the NFL since 2021.
Indianapolis lost starting quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) for the season in their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday and Monday night worked out Rivers because of injuries behind Jones.
The Colts also signed kicker Blake Grupe and quarterback Brett Rypien to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. Cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (concussion) was placed on injured reserve, and center Jimmy Morrissey also was assigned to the practice squad.
The 44-year-old Rivers was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times during his 17-season career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and Colts. He spent the 2000 season in Indianapolis and threw for more than 4,000 yards for the 12th time in 13 seasons, tossing 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the 11-5 squad.
Rivers ranks seventh in NFL history with 63,440 passing yards and sixth with 421 touchdown passes.
The Colts signed the veteran Rypien, 29, to the practice squad on Oct. 15, marking his eighth team. He has played in 11 career games (four starts), thrown for 950 yards and has four touchdowns and nine interceptions.
He will back up Riley Leonard, who assumes the starting spot from Jones. But Leonard’s status won’t be known until later Wednesday. Head coach Shane Steichen said Leonard, a rookie sixth-round pick, is dealing with a knee injury.
Rypien potentially could be called on Sunday for the Colts (8-5) at the Seattle Seahawks with Rivers entering the conversation for Week 16. The Colts host the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football” next week.
Grupe, 27, was signed to the practice squad on Dec. 3 and elevated for the Jacksonville games, making two field goals and an extra point. He has played in 46 career games with the Colts (2025) and New Orleans Saints (2023-25).
Ward, 29, is in the concussion protocol for the third time this season.
“I think that’s what’s most important, and what’s most paramount right now, is how he is as human,” defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said Tuesday. “Forget about the football player part of it. I just really want him to be OK and that’s what’s most important, dealing with all that right now.
“It’s just unfortunate. I just want what’s best for him and his family.”
Morrissey, 27, signed with the Colts on Sept. 16 and was assigned to the practice squad. He was released after Week 13 and re-signed. The Colts are his fourth team, and he has appeared in 14 career games (four starts).
–Field Level Media
