The Indianapolis Colts cut Philip Rivers’ safety net. Just hours before their Week 16 game against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Shane Steichen reshuffled his roster to bolster the defense, but at the expense of depth at the quarterback position.
The injury to star quarterback Daniel Jones put Steichen and the Colts’ front office in serious trouble. After trying out the young Reiley Leonard, the team decided to bring Rivers out of retirement.
Rivers made his stunning return to the gridiron on Sunday after nearly five years away. The 17-year veteran rejoined the Colts on a one-year, $1.3 million contract.
With their starting quarterback secured and Leonard as backup, the front office decided it was time to make room to bring back star defensive end DeForest Buckner, sacrificing their third-string quarterback.
The Colts dismiss Rypien
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Indianapolis announced:“We have activated DT DeForest Buckner from IR. We have waived QB Brett Rypien.” This completes a risky gamble by the front office.
Although Rypien’s absence leaves the quarterback room somewhat thin, Buckner’s return bolsters the defense at a crucial point in the season.
Before his injury in Week 8, the star pass rusher had four sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 42 tackles, nine of them for loss.
His return was essential for a defense that, without him, ranks among the worst at rushing the quarterback. With the team still fighting for a wild card playoff berth, the move makes sense.
Rivers injected energy into the team
Jones’ injury not only sent the team into a losing streak, but it also left players and coaching staff feeling vulnerable.
The hiring of Rivers, in turn, was met with skepticism by many. However, everything changed as soon as the veteran stood before his teammates in the locker room.
“We can get there. Why not us?” was all Rivers said in his introduction to his teammates. That was enough to send the locker room into a roar, making one thing clear: they won’t stop fighting until the very last minute.
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