Will Philip Rivers start for the Colts on Sunday vs Seahawks? Insider says decision is clear
A Colts insider says the team is prepping Philip Rivers to start Week 15, even with the veteran just days removed from signing.
The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback decision for Week 15 is coming into focus, and all signs point toward Philip Rivers getting the nod.
With Daniel Jones out for the year after suffering a torn Achilles, the Colts turned to 44-year-old Philip Rivers, signing the retired veteran and grandfather in a bold bid to keep their playoff hopes alive. But whether Rivers could realistically start on such short notice was the biggest question hanging over Indianapolis this week.
After all, Rivers hasn’t taken an NFL snap in five years, raising concerns about his conditioning, readiness, and timing heading into a matchup with the Seattle Seahawks’ top-tier defense.
Philip Rivers expected to start vs Seahawks
As the wait for an official announcement continues, ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder offered the most telling update yet.
“Two days in now, and my time in the building this week has left me only MORE convinced Philip Rivers is this week’s starting quarterback,” Holder wrote. “It isn’t difficult to tell who a team is prepping to start. That player is Rivers. Period.”
Sounds like Philip Rivers is tracking to start Sunday at Seattle: https://t.co/ObsaMahJzY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2025
Holder’s reporting suggests that the Colts’ practice structure, meetings, and personnel groupings all point to Rivers leading the offense Sunday. Despite his long time away, Rivers has several advantages that make him the likely choice.
Rivers played under head coach Shane Steichen during their Chargers days, significantly reducing the learning curve. With the Colts sitting in the No. 8 spot in the AFC playoff race, Indianapolis has little margin for error. Rookie Riley Leonard, expected to start before the Rivers signing, is practicing fully after a knee issue but remains unproven.
Given the stakes and the timing, the Colts appear intent on going with the veteran who has won big games before.
When will the Colts announce the starter?
The Colts haven’t officially named their quarterback yet, and a formal decision may not come until Friday, if not later. The Colts have shown no urgency to reveal their plans early, which could allow them to evaluate Rivers’ conditioning and comfort level right up to the weekend.
Still, based on what reporters in the building are seeing, the direction seems to be that Philip Rivers is trending toward starting in Week 15.
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