Philip Rivers’ Madden 26 rating sparks buzz after unexpected Colts comeback

Philip Rivers hasn’t taken an NFL snap since January 2021, but thanks to one of the wildest quarterback emergencies in recent memory, he’s suddenly back on the Indianapolis Colts’ roster, and officially back in Madden.

Rivers’ Madden grade is in: Here’s how EA rates his NFL comeback

EA Sports revealed Rivers’ Madden NFL 26 rating on Thursday, and the Colts’ newly signed quarterback comes in at a 70 overall, complete with:

• 83 Throw Power
• 86 Short Accuracy
• 59 Speed

For a 44-year-old grandfather who was coaching high school football a week ago, this is actually pretty respectable. Plenty of active quarterbacks in the league would happily take a 70. And considering Rivers hasn’t appeared in an NFL game in nearly five years, it’s hard to call the rating anything but decent.

The Colts’ quarterback room has been hit with nearly every injury possible this season. Daniel Jones: torn Achilles, out for the season. Riley Leonard: knee issues, week-to-week. Anthony Richardson: still on injured reserve with an orbital fracture.

With no healthy options left, the Colts made the call that surprised the league. That is, unless you consider how prepared Rivers already seemed to be. According to multiple reports, Rivers had already been running Colts concepts while coaching his son’s high school team, staying in regular contact with head coach Shane Steichen, studying film weekly, and apparently staying in even better physical shape now than when he played.

What does a 70 rating mean in Madden?

In Madden terms, Rivers lands right in the “capable veteran” category. Not flashy, not mobile, but unlikely to self-destruct. The accuracy grades suggest EA still trusts his arm, even if the speed rating confirms he will not, under any circumstances, attempt to outrun NFL defenders.

If anything, the 70 gives Rivers room to rise if he performs well in real life. Madden regularly updates ratings, so a solid showing could get him a bump. A rough outing could… well, let’s not jinx anything.

Could Rivers start this week?

The Colts haven’t officially named a Week 15 starter, but signs point toward Rivers being very much in the mix, if not the favorite. Colts reporter Stephen Holder has said the team’s preparations clearly indicate that Rivers is being prepped to play.

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