Overview
- On Saturday, Indianapolis promoted Rivers from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, making him eligible for Sunday’s game in Seattle.
- Head coach Shane Steichen said Rivers looked impressive after five years away, the Colts have not named a starter, and NFL Network reported he is expected to open under center.
- The move removes him from the current Hall of Fame ballot under the five-year retirement rule, delaying his earliest eligibility until 2031.
- Rivers joined after Daniel Jones suffered an Achilles rupture, while rookie Riley Leonard practiced fully this week and Brett Rypien was also elevated for depth.
- Public response has ranged from Cam Newton calling the decision a personal snub on his podcast to Tom Brady saying Rivers can succeed and that quarterback play is chiefly mental.