Philip Rivers’ storybook Colts return is over after three games

Philip Rivers couldn’t save the Colts season and now his career may actually be over.

The 44-year-old quarterback is being benched for Week 18 in place of rookie Riley Leonard with Indianapolis eliminated from the playoff race, according to ESPN.

Rivers threw four touchdowns to three interceptions across his three starts, wile the Colts (8-8) went winless in that stretch.

Colts coach Shane Steichen said Monday he was still have conversations about who would start in Week 18 and planned to reveal his decision Wednesday.

“Bringing Philip in here, to come here and play is what he wanted to do,” Steichen said. “He’s been playing and obviously there is one left so those are conversations we’re having with him to see how that goes and that’s pretty much it. Getting a feel for him, and obviously Riley having an opportunity to play as well. Those are ongoing conversations we’re having right now.”

Though his return didn’t produce a Hallmark ending, Rivers, a grandpa and father of 10, returning at the age of 44 for one last shot at glory produced one of the NFL’s craziest and interesting storylines this year.

Rivers had been serving as a teacher before deciding to return and delay his Hall of Fame candidacy in the process in an attempt to save a once-promising Colts season derailed by injuries.

The veteran drew an unenviable task of facing three playoff teams, and produced one throwback game while struggling in the two others.

In his return on Dec. 14 at Seattle, Rivers completed just 18 of 27 passes for 120 yards with one touchdowns and one interception.

He turned back the clock with a 277-yard, two-touchdown performance in a home “Monday Night Football” loss to the 49ers in Week 16.

Rivers potentially ended his career this past Sunday against the Jaguars by completing 17 of 30 passes for 147 yards with one touchdown and one interceptions.

He completed 63 percent of his passes spanning those three games.

Since this Week 18 game has no bearing on their season, it’s logical that the Colts would want to get a look at Leonard, a 2025 sixth-round pick, entering the offseason.

Daniel Jones is a free agent coming off an Achilles tear, while Anthony Richardson’s future with the team is uncertain at best.

“If Riley is out there starting on Sunday, it will be good for him,” Steichen said. “It will be good for his development, so, yeah, we look at all that stuff.”

Rivers will now have to determine if he wants to suit up for another season in 2026 or let this three-game stint be his true farewell to the game.

Said Steichen: “Grateful for (Rivers) to come out, and he’s going to be support of whatever it is, whether he plays on Sunday or Riley’s going, he’s going to support Riley if Riley’s starting and we’ll go from there.”