Philip Rivers comeback sparks debate as J J Watt backs fit with Indianapolis Colts Shane Steichen

Philip Rivers is officially back in the NFL after more than four years away from the league. On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts added the veteran quarterback to their practice squad in Indianapolis, bringing him back to the same team he played for during the 2020 season. With the Colts dealing with serious injuries at quarterback, former opponent J.J. Watt believes Rivers is the right choice, especially with head coach Shane Steichen running the offense.

J.J. Watt explains Philip Rivers’ familiarity with Shane Steichen

J.J. Watt shared his thoughts on Philip Rivers’ return on social media on Tuesday, shortly after the Colts made the move public. Watt explained that Rivers has not been away from football systems like many people think.

According to Watt, Philip Rivers recently coached his son Gunnar Rivers’ high school football team and ran the same offensive system currently used by the Indianapolis Colts. 

Watt said Rivers and Shane Steichen stayed in close contact during the season. They spoke almost every week, talked through plays, and even watched game film together.

Watt added that this constant communication means Rivers already knows the playbook and the structure of the offense. 

From Watt’s point of view, learning the scheme should not slow Rivers down at all. The former Houston Texans defensive end believes that experience and system knowledge matter more right now than speed or youth.

J.J. Watt drops reason why Philip Rivers is perfect fit for Colts under HC Shane Steichen.https://t.co/QXI3QKpMnQ pic.twitter.com/QbSkYmZAz6

— Boston_Die_Hard (@NbaSwingPass) December 10, 2025

Michael Irvin raises doubts as Colts manage quarterback injuries

Philip Rivers’ return comes at a difficult time for Indianapolis. On Sunday, during a 36–19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon. 

Riley Leonard sustained a knee injury in the same contest. Simultaneously, Anthony Richardson has been on injured reserve since October following a facial fracture caused by an equipment malfunction during warmups against the Arizona Cardinals. 

Michael Irvin, formerly a wide receiver with the NFL, is not entirely convinced about the choice. Speaking in a recent YouTube video, Irvin termed the action confusing. 

When they used mobile quarterbacks early in the season, he claimed, the Colts were at their best.  Irvin said that quarterbacks who can run compel defenses to be aware, therefore giving gamers like Jonathan Taylor more room. 

He claimed that using Philip Rivers might upset that equilibrium. Irvin wondered as well how powerful Rivers’ arm would be years apart from game play. 

Should Philip Rivers be released after practice this week, CBS will begin his first game back at 4:25 p.m. ET against the Seattle Seahawks.