Philip Rivers 'Fired Up for the Challenge' amid NFL Comeback, Colts HC Steichen Says

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that veteran quarterback Philip Rivers is excited upon his return to the NFL following a lengthy absence.

"He's got great command in the huddle," Steichen said, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder. "He was throwing it well. So we're excited for it. He's fired up for the challenge, getting back into it, getting back in the fold feeling the pass rush. Got some good work in that."

The Colts signed Rivers to their practice squad on Wednesday. The eight-time Pro Bowler hasn't appeared in an NFL game since the 2020 season.

Still, Indianapolis was looking for more options at quarterback following Daniel Jones' season-ending torn Achilles that he suffered on Sunday.

Steichen didn't commit to Rivers as the Colts' starter moving forward despite being impressed with his performance in Wednesday's practice, per Holder.

"I'll say it was pretty good," Steichen said. "A guy that hasn't been out there in five years, to go and practice the way he did this week was pretty impressive to watch."

The 44-year-old spent the first 16 years of his career as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers organization before starting 16 games for the Colts in 2020.

Indianapolis is attempting to make a late playoff push with a record of 8-5, but the team has lost four of its past five games.

If Rivers starts in Week 15, he'll have a tough task ahead of him. The Colts are set to face a Seattle Seahawks squad that owns the NFL's No. 2 scoring defense, allowing a mere 17.4 points per game.