Philip Rivers has just 5 degrees of separation from 1st season in NFL history. Here's how originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Philip Rivers, at 44 years old, is back in the NFL.

Now back in the NFL on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad, quarterback Phillip Rivers has also been added to the Madden 26 roster. So what is Rivers' initial Madden rating? Having not played an NFL snap in nearly five years, Rivers' overall score is a 70. His throw power is 83, short throw accuracy is 86, and his speed is 59.

According to ESPN, Steichen already had support from ownership for Rivers to join the roster as an emergency option, and Rivers agreed to work out for the team prior to Jones going down with an Achilles injury on Dec. 7, having already suffered a broken fibula earlier in the season.

The extended time in retirement, Rivers' age and the quick ramp-up period raise questions about whether the former Colts and Chargers standout would be proficient in leading an offense in 2025. Indianapolis is desperate to find out after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, and Rivers has something to prove to himself.

On Wednesday, head coach Shane Steichen left the door open for Rivers to start this week, mentioning that he could start regardless of Riley Leonard's availability as he works through a knee injury. For what it's worth, Leonard has been a full participant in both practices so far this week.

NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report and break down the partially collapsed lung suffered by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt, emphasizing that the surgery went well and that he will be out on Monday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins.

Troy Aikman is getting back in the game. Not literally, but the former Cowboys quarterback showed off a new core workout in an Instagram video that he has put into his routine just in case he is called back to become Philip Rivers 2.0.

Carson Palmer joins Colin Cowherd to discuss Joe Burrow’s frustration with the Cincinnati Bengals, Phillip Rivers playing football at 44-years-old, and if Caleb Williams’ accuracy issues can be fixed.