As of Friday, the Indianapolis Colts and head coach Shane Steichen have yet to announce who will start as quarterback in Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
“We’re working through that” said Steichen when asked about the team’s plans.
Following quarterback Daniel Jones‘ season-ending Achilles tear, rookie backup Riley Leonard stepped in. However, in last weeks game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Leonard sustained an injury to the knee, putting his Week 15 availability in doubt.
This series of unfortunate events left the Colts without a healthy quarterback on their roster. To stabilize the position, the Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to the practice squad. Although he hasn’t played since 2020, the Colts brought in the former pro as an emergency option.
So the question remains, Philip Rivers, or Riley Leonard? Possibly injured rookie, or potential Hall of Fame inductee who hasn’t taken an NFL snap in 5 years? The answer may depend on their opponent.
The Seahawks have been dominant this season, and relying on an inexperienced rookie like Leonard may cost the Colts big time. On the other hand, a 44-year-old Rivers coming out of retirement might struggle against one of the league’s toughest defenses at the moment.
Rookie
Riley Leonard took over early in the game against the Jaguars following Jones’ injury. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards, tossing his first career touchdown, but also throwing an interception. While the potential is evident, facing the Seahawks in one of the loudest stadiums in the league could rattle the rookie, and the results might be disastrous.
Unfortunately, Leonard also suffered an injury during the Jaguars game. While his status was initially uncertain, Leonard has been a full participant in practice this week and seems healthy.
Leonard and Rivers have been sharing first-team reps since the Colts brought Rivers in off the sidelines. However, ESPN’s Stephen Holder is confident Rivers will take the helm for the Colts in Sunday’s matchup in Seattle.
Potential Hall of Famer
Philip Rivers certainly has the experience needed, but being out of the game for 5 years is a long time. Rivers has been active in football, coaching high school in his time away from the NFL.
James Boyd, staff writer for The Athletic covering the Indianapolis Colts, chimed in on the matter on X, writing his take.
Boyd has weighed in on this situation before. Last week he wrote,
“My impression is that #Colts QB Philip Rivers will be playing sooner rather than later. Even as soon as this Sunday against the #Seahawks. HC Shane Steichen was very bullish on Rivers,” he reported.
Regardless of who starts at QB, the Seahawks have likely already devoted time and effort towards scouting Rivers style of play, after all, that’s just smart preparation.
Even with the Colts staying tight-lipped, one thing is certain: if Rivers is going to play in Seattle, he must be elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. Whether the Colts are genuinely undecided or simply keeping Seattle guessing remains unclear. Maybe its strategic, maybe its uncertainty. Or, more likely, its a little bit of both.
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