The Indianapolis Colts have decided on who their starting quarterback will be for the Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers and it comes as no surprise.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced on Monday that quarterback Philip Rivers will once again get the nod after making his 2025 debut on Sunday.
No surprise there, as the Colts brought in Rivers and started him right away because they believe he gives them the best chance to succeed amid their playoff push, which took yet another hit on Sunday with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
"Colts coach Shane Steichen confirmed, not that it was in doubt, that Philip Rivers starts against on [Monday Night Football] vs the 49ers," Ian Rapoport of NFL Network relayed.
Rivers no doubt had his struggles, but he completed 18-of-27 passes for 120 yards and one touchdown to one pick.
Indy's defense was the real story of the contest, though, as it kept a potent Seattle Seahawks offense in check, giving Rivers and Co. A chance to win the game.
The announcement of Rivers as the starter in Week 16 comes on the same day it was revealed that fellow signal-caller Anthony Richardson has been medically cleared after he suffered an orbital bone fracture back in October.
“We’re just starting to work him back into the physical activity (part) of everything," Steichen said of Richardson, per CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.
Because he has to get re-acclimated after missing so much time, Richardson is still likely weeks away from being available to play, so he isn't an option.
We would expect the Colts to stick with Rivers through the end of the season, regardless of Richardson's availability.
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