According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the Indianapolis Colts are preparing a certain quarterback to start through two consecutive team practices this week, and the projected starting QB1 may surprise some: Philip Rivers.
Despite being 44-years-old and
having not played in an NFL game for going on 5 years, and having just re-signed with the Colts earlier this week, it’s the since unretired longtime veteran quarterback, Rivers, who appears as though he’ll get the somewhat surprising nod on the road against a stalwart Seattle Seahawks defense.
It’s not because of rookie quarterback Riley Leonard’s knee injury either, who’s practiced as a full participant for consecutive days and appears to be available—as either the Colts QB1 or QB2. However, all signs point to Leonard backing up Rivers come Sunday, which seems somewhat shocking, but then again it doesn’t.
Rivers has seen as many defensive looks as anyone currently playing football throughout his longtime 17-year NFL career, and should be able to dissect the Seahawks defense’s complexities, blitzing, and plan of attack—as good as anyone out there. There may be some adjustment to the blazing fast speed of the game again for Rivers, but beyond that (which hopefully only lasts a few offensive series), he understands Shane Steichen’s offense, who should be open, and when—while getting the football out both quickly and accurately.
The bigger questions for me may be physically. How much zip does Rivers still have on his gunslinging arm, and can he still take a hit at this point? This isn’t throwing a football in his backyard as a retiree, these are 300+ pound d-linemen looking to sack him, running full speed, and seeking to deliver physical punishment out there.
For what it’s worth, recently signed quarterback Brett Rypien from the practice squad will be serving as the QB3 on Sunday for extra active positional depth.
