In the aftermath of the devastating Daniel Jones injury, the Indianapolis Colts had to pivot quickly in an effort to save their season, as the quarterback position needed to be addressed heading into Week 15’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Ultimately, the Colts’ brass went in an unexpected direction by bringing 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement to fill the void under center, as the team was not confident in backups Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien, and Anthony Richardson was still on injured reserve due to a fractured orbital bone.
Fortunately for Indianapolis, Richardson is nearing his return with three games remaining in the regular season, and the team hopes to clinch a playoff spot in the AFC.
Colts Open Practice Window for QB Anthony Richardson
GettyAnthony Richardson Sr. #5 of the Indianapolis Colts
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Colts have opened the 21-day practice window for Richardson, even though he’s still got some vision limitations and isn’t 100 percent ready to play just yet.
Obviously, this is great news for the Colts, as the team currently relies on Rivers to shoulder the load under center, and it’s unclear whether his body will be able to hold up during the final stretch of the season and potentially a postseason run.
It’ll be interesting to see where the team goes from here, as Indianapolis has a tough stretch moving forward against three potential playoff teams, starting with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16, followed by the Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 17) and division rival Houston Texans (Week 18)
Philip Rivers Set to Make Second Straight Start for Colts
GettyPhilip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts
With Richardson not ready to return as of yet, the Colts will turn to Rivers for a second straight win under center, according to Amanda Foster of the team’s website.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen on Monday confirmed quarterback Philip Rivers will be the Colts’ Week 16 starter against the San Francisco 49ers. Steichen also said Anthony Richardson Sr., who is on injured reserve with a fractured orbital bone, has been cleared to resume physical activity but there has been no determination made as to when he will return to practice.
Although many were skeptical of Rivers’ return to the field after five years of being retired, the 44-year-old veteran played better than expected against the Seahawks in Week 15. The future Hall of Famer did enough to keep the Colts in the game and competitive against one of the best all-around teams in the NFC.
In Week 16, Rivers will have another tough challenge ahead of him, with the team playing host to a 49ers squad looking to clinch a playoff spot, which they will accomplish with a win over the Colts on Monday Night Football at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The 49ers will be motivated to get the win on the road while trying to take advantage of Rivers, who is still trying to get up to speed after spending the last few years coaching high school football at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.
Colts Get Major Update on QB Anthony Richardson Ahead of 49ers Game