One week ago, Philip Rivers was content in the knowledge that he had made it through another round of voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Now he might be about to reset the clock on his induction.

That is because the Indianapolis Colts have made one of the most eye-catching moves of the 2025 NFL season, signing the 44-year-old to their practice squad as injuries continue to ravage the quarterback room.

Rivers, alongside Drew Brees and Eli Manning a semifinalist for the Class of 2026, last played in 2020 — his lone season in Indianapolis — capping a 17-year career with 63,440 passing yards and 421 touchdowns, ranking seventh and sixth all-time, respectively. An eight-time Pro Bowler, he surpassed 4,000 yards in 12 of 15 seasons as a full-time starter. Since calling time on his career, he has been coaching at high school level.

The move reunites Rivers with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who worked closely with him during their years together with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, and also brings him back alongside rookie Riley Leonard, whom Rivers mentored in their shared hometown of Fairhope, Alabama, before the Colts selected Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 draft. When starter Daniel Jones went down with a torn Achilles in last Sunday’s game, Leonard was thrust into action against Jacksonville, but could not prevent Indy from slipping to another defeat that threatens their league-leading start to the season.

The Colts’ decision comes with expected backup QB Anthony Richardson still on injured reserve with a fractured orbital bone suffered in an early season warmup session, and Leonard nursing a knee issue after his weekend appearance. For the time being, Rivers remains on the practice squad, while the Colts promoted Brett Rypien to the full 53, but is expected to join practice immediately as the Colts prepare for this week’s encounter with the high-flying Seattle Seahawks.

Rivers’ Hall of Fame clock will continue uninterrupted as long as he remains on the practice squad, but any elevation to the active roster would reset his five-year waiting period, delaying his eligibility to the 2031 class.

As an interesting aside, it has been confirmed that Rivers will wear the same #17 that has accompanied him throughout his playing career, despite Jones having worn the same number this season. With the former New York Giant now on IR, however, the number is free to be used.