Shocking NFL news ... Philip Rivers is heading back to the gridiron at 44 -- nearly 5 years after retiring -- with the 8x Pro Bowler signing a contract to join the Colts practice squad, according to multiple reports.
Rivers last played during the 2020 NFL season, ultimately announcing his retirement in January 2021 before joining the coaching staff of a local high school football team.
Fast forward to Sunday ... when Colts quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending Achilles injury, leaving the 8-5 team with Riley Leonard, Brett Rypien and tight end Tyler Warren.