It appears we have seen the last of Philip Rivers for this season, and maybe forever.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Stephen Holder, the Colts are expected to start rookie Riley Leonard over Philip Rivers in Week 18.
The Colts are expected to start rookie Riley Leonard on Sunday against the Texans, sources told [Stephen Holder] and me. After three games with Philip Rivers and the Colts falling out of the playoffs, Indy will get a look at the rookie," Fowler said.
The reported decision comes just days after the Colts were officially eliminated from playoff contention following the Houston Texans' win in Week 17.
Following the game, Rivers made it clear he would be on board with whatever the Colts decided to do at quarterback in Week 18.
"I'm going to be on board and supportive of whatever the organization, [Steichen] and however that decision's going to come to be," Rivers said. "I'm sure I'll have some conversation. It won't just be a blindside Tuesday conversation from him."
For the Colts, this makes sense.
Indianapolis should be wanting to get a look at its young signal-caller before going into the offseason to see if he could be part of the team's plans in 2026.
Of course, Leonard is not going to be the team's starter next season, but the Colts could keep him around as a backup to whoever that will be, whether it's Daniel Jones or someone else.
As for Rivers, this will likely spell the end of his comeback out of retirement.
The Colts signed Rivers earlier this month in the wake of the season-ending injury to Jones with the hope the 44-year-old could save their season.
While Rivers played surprisingly well for a guy who came off the couch after five years away from the sport, the Colts went 0-3 with him under center and failed to avoid a collapse that saw the team go from 8-2 and an AFC powerhouse and legitimate Super Bowl contender to 8-8 and out of the playoffs.
Now, the Colts will enter the offseason with a ton of uncertainty, and not only at quarterback.
Indy will have to decide whether or not to move forward with head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard.
On the surface, this collapse should have both on the hot seat, but perhaps the Jones injury derailing Indianapolis' season will save them.
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