Philip Rivers Returns to NFL with Colts Amid Key NFL Updates
Philip Rivers, 44, made a remarkable return to the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts after an 1,800-day layoff during which he coached high school football at St Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. Rivers’ comeback game was against the Seattle Seahawks, where he completed 18 of 26 passes for 120 yards, threw 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, finishing with a passer rating of 91.8.
In a critical moment, Rivers completed a 16-yard third-and-seven pass to Alec Pierce that set up Blake Grupe’s 60-yard game-winning field goal with 47 seconds left. However, the Colts ultimately fell 18-16 after Rivers threw a late interception with 11 seconds remaining. Rivers’ return was facilitated by his familiarity with Colts coach Shane Steichen’s passing scheme, having previously worked together with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Seahawks defense was ranked No. 1 in DVOA, while the Colts stood at 8-6 with three games left against the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.
Elsewhere in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL during the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Chargers, ending his season and leaving the 6-8 Chiefs unlikely to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Jacksonville Jaguars improved to 10-4 as Trevor Lawrence led a dominant 48-20 victory over the New York Jets, accounting for six touchdowns—five passing and one rushing.
The Buffalo Bills rallied from a 21-point deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 35-31, leaving both teams tied at 11-3 as they prepare for remaining games against the Jets, Ravens, and Dolphins. The Denver Broncos clinched a postseason berth with a 34-26 win over the Green Bay Packers, improving to a 12-2 record. During the game, Christian Watson sustained a chest injury, and Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons is believed to have torn his ACL.
