Philip Rivers Got Turf Cleats from Trophy Case Ahead of Colts Debut After Retirement

Indianapolis Colts veteran quarterback Philip Rivers is set to return to the field for the first time since the 2020 season in Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, but he almost wasn't prepared for his season debut.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported that Rivers realized that he didn't have new turf cleats and had to pull out an old pair from his trophy case before Sunday's matchup.

ESPN's Stephen Holder reported on Saturday that Rivers was expected to be the Colts' starting quarterback against the Seahawks after the team elevated him from the practice squad to the active roster. The 44-year-old last played in a playoff game for Indianapolis in January 2021 before retiring from the NFL.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen praised Rivers' performances in practice during the week.

"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 Colts desperately turned to Rivers after losing starting quarterback Daniel Jones to a torn Achilles and a knee injury suffered by rookie backup Riley Leonard. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Jones underwent successful surgery and is expected to be ready for training camp next summer.

Indianapolis (8-5) is riding a three-game losing streak into Sunday's game against Seattle (10-3). The team started the year at 7-1 and had aspirations of competing for a spot in the Super Bowl, so its hopes will now fall on Rivers as he tries to turn back the clock and spearhead a postseason run.