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Philip Rivers is back.
The legendary quarterback, who spent 17 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts, has come out of retirement to try to save the Colts’ season. Rivers is replacing starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who tore his Achilles last Sunday, leaving Indianapolis’ quarterback depth chart in crisis.
Rivers last played in the 2020 season, when he joined the Colts for a season after 16 years with the Chargers. He led Indianapolis to an 11-5 record, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns before the Colts fell in the wild-card round.
Since then, the Colts have seen considerable turnover, including a new head coach. But Rivers and Colts coach Shane Steichen are close from Steichen’s time with the Chargers in the mid-2010s, so the 44-year-old quarterback should be able to get up to speed quickly in the offense.
Rivers faces a tall task as the Colts head to Seattle to face the 10-3 Seahawks. Indianapolis is 8-5 and riding a three-game losing streak, and the team is calling on Rivers to stabilize the offense and keep its season on track.
Seattle is in the thick of its own playoff race, fighting for the top seed in the NFC. The Seahawks boast one of the league’s top defenses, meaning Rivers will be thrown into the fire immediately—five years after his last NFL snap.
The Sporting News is tracking Colts vs. Seahawks as Philip Rivers returns to the NFL for the first time since 2021. Follow along for updates.
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Philip Rivers stats todayCompletions/Attempts: 3/9Passing yards: 31Yards per attempt: 3.4Touchdowns: 0Interceptions: 0Sacks: 0Passer rating: 44.6
This section will be updated after each Colts drive.
Philip Rivers live updates, highlights from NFL QB’s return from retirement
5:13 p.m.: To no surprise, the Colts are going with a heavy dose of Jonathan Taylor, who has 12 carries so far. Rivers also gets sacked for the first time, as he slipped in the backfield.
5:09 p.m.: Early on, this game is a battle of the defenses as Indianapolis once again forces a three-and-out.
5:05 p.m.: Rivers’ completion to Tyler Warren is overturned, resulting in a fourth down and ending the drive.
End of first quarter: Colts 3, Seahawks 3
4:59 p.m.: The Colts end the first quarter with two-straight runs to set up third down
4:54 p.m.: The Seahawks execute a field-goal drive to tie the game at 3.
4:47 p.m.: Rivers throws another ball away, forcing a field goal attempt. Colts take an early 3-0 lead.
4:45 p.m.: On third down, Rivers finds Pittman for a first down. The veteran doesn’t have much velocity on the ball but has been pretty accurate so far.
17 🤝11
📺CBS | @MikePitt_Jr | #ProBowlVote
pic.twitter.com/BEtzdUjMet
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 14, 2025
4:43 p.m.: Ameer Abdullah takes a Rivers check-down 14 yards for the first down.
4:42 p.m.: The Colts open the drive with two runs for a first down, but Rivers throws another incomplete pass on the next play.
4:38 p.m.: The Seahawks go three-and-out, so Rivers quickly gets the ball back.
4:31 p.m.: Rivers throws two incomplete passes to Tyler Warren, and the Colts are forced to punt.
4:29 p.m.: Rivers’ first completion is a screen pass to Michael Pittman, who takes it over 10 yards for a first down.
Philip Rivers’ first completion goes to Michael Pittman Jr. for a 12 yard pickup
INDvsSEA on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/8h31PrIM5A
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
4:28 p.m.: After three-straight runs, Rivers’ first pass is incomplete down the sidelines to Taylor.
4:26 p.m.: Rivers’ first play from scrimmage is a hand-off to Jonathan Taylor, which goes for two yards.
4:25 p.m.: The Colts win the toss and will receiver. It’s Rivers’ ball right away.
4:20 p.m.: Rivers is about to take the field in his first game since January of 2021.
Philip Rivers is BACK
INDvsSEA on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/WiHPGBvnhn
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025
MORE COLTS NEWS:
How to watch Phillip Rivers in NFL returnColts vs. Seahawks start timeDate: Sunday, December 14Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Philip Rivers will return to action in Seattle at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 14. The game will kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET, 1:25 PT, and will be one of five games in the late window.
Colts vs. Seahawks TV ChannelTV Channel: CBSLive stream: Fubo
CBS will be broadcasting Rivers’ return on Sunday, as Andrew Catalon, Charles Davis and Jason McCourty will be on the call. Those looking for a live stream option can use Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
Colts schedule 2025DateOpponentTime (ET)TV Channel12/14@ Seahawks4:25 p.m.CBS12/22vs. 49ers8:15 p.m.ABC/ESPN12/28vs. Jaguars1:00 p.m.FoxTBD@ TexansTBDTBD