The Seattle Seahawks are preparing for one of the strangest quarterback storylines of the NFL season: multiple reports indicate the Indianapolis Colts will activate Philip Rivers and start the 44-year-old veteran on Sunday in Seattle.
It’s a move born out of necessity. Rivers joined the Colts after a Monday workout that came in the wake of Daniel Jones’ season-ending torn Achilles, and Indianapolis is turning to the former starter with its playoff hopes on the line.
Colts to start Philip Rivers vs. Seahawks in Week 15
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Colts will start Rivers against the Seahawks, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter similarly reported the Colts are activating Rivers to the active roster from the practice squad ahead of the matchup.
Rivers last appeared in an NFL game during the Colts’ wild-card round loss following the 2020 season, meaning Sunday would mark his first regular-season snap in roughly five years.
Pro Football Talk noted Rivers’ return also impacts his Hall of Fame timeline, because he will no longer be eligible to be voted in this year and would have to wait five more years after his final appearance to become eligible again.
The backdrop is urgent for Indianapolis. The Colts opened the season 7-1 but have lost four of their last five, adding pressure to a team that needs a win to improve its playoff chances.
What it means for Seattle’s defense
From a Seahawks perspective, the headline is simple: this is not a “rookie mistake” quarterback. Rivers has seen every coverage and pressure look the NFL can throw at him, and his game has always been built on pre-snap recognition and getting the ball out. But, it also could be open season for a defense that has tortured quarterbacks throughout the season. Rivers’ mobility will be a major area of concern for the Colts.
That’s why this becomes a chess match for Mike Macdonald’s defense. If Rivers is able to diagnose looks early and live in the quick game, the Seahawks’ pass rush has to win fast — and Seattle’s coverage has to tackle immediately to prevent short completions from turning into chain-movers.
The flip side, of course, is what makes this such a fascinating Seattle angle: Rivers is returning at 44 after years away from game speed, and the Seahawks get him in one of the league’s loudest environments with a crowd ready to pounce on any communication hiccups or timing issues.
Seattle also doesn’t need to overcomplicate the stakes. The Seahawks are 10-3, tied with the Los Angeles Rams atop the NFC West, while the Colts are 8-5 in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Schedule, stakes, and what Seahawks fans should watch
Sunday’s kickoff is set for December 14 in Seattle.
A few quick markers to frame the game:
- Seahawks record: 10-3 (tied for NFC West lead)
- Colts record: 8-5 (AFC playoff chase)
- Why Rivers is back: Daniel Jones’ season-ending Achilles injury prompted Indy to pivot quickly, and injuries to Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson put the Colts in a difficult QB situation.
More Rivers coverage: Heavy previously covered the Colts’ Rivers workout angle ahead of the Seattle game plus another Rivers-related Seahawks nugget that underscored just how wild this comeback is, and the Broncos-side wrinkle involving Sam Ehlinger in the same news cycle
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