Rivers said Tuesday that he hasn't completely ruled out a return to the NFL, despite announcing his retirement in January, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the report notes that a potential Rivers comeback isn't imminent, the quarterback is aiming to get in shape just in case an opportunity arises for a late-season return to an NFL team. The possibility of Rivers pursuing a return to the field predictably became a source of speculation after the Colts lost Carson Wentz to a foot injury that could sideline him early on this season. At least for the time being, the Colts seem content to see what that have in No. 2 signal-caller Jacob Eason rather than attempting to coax Rivers out of retirement. In his lone season with Indianapolis in 2020, Rivers started all 16 games and completed 68 percent of his passes for 7.7 yards per attempt and a 24:11 TD:INT.

Rivers announced Tuesday that he will retire from professional football, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "It's just time," Rivers said.

EDGE Analysis

The 39-year-old Rivers ends his 17-year career ranked fifth in NFL history in both passing yards (63,440) and touchdown passes (421). After a lengthy stint with the Chargers, Rivers helped lead Indianapolis to the playoffs in his lone season with the Colts, compiling 4,169 yards through the air and a 24:11 TD:INT. With Jacoby Brissett set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, 2020 fourth-round pick Jacob Eason is the only signal-caller on the Colts' books for the upcoming campaign, but expect the team to add reinforcements to the position via free agency, trade or the draft during the offseason.

Colts GM Chris Ballard plans to speak with Rivers in February, Stephen Holder of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ballard believes Rivers can still play, but it isn't clear the quarterback will want to stick around for another season, nor is it clear the Colts want him back. The 39-year-old put up respectable passing stats in 2020, but he offers nothing as a runner and is well past his prime, so the Colts might shift their focus to finding a younger QB. The team should have a better idea before free agency begins in March.

Rivers completed 27 of 46 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's 27-24 wild-card round loss to the Bills. He also threw a two-point conversion and rushed once for minus-1 yard.

EDGE Analysis

Rivers directed the Colts' offense past midfield on each of the team's three first-quarter possessions, but those drives all stalled soon after, resulting in just three total points. He led a touchdown drive capped by a one-yard Jonathan Taylor run on the next possession but just missed Michael Pittman in the back of the end zone on 4th-and-goal with a chance to grab a 17-7 edge on the ensuing drive and ended up trailing 14-10 heading into the locker room after Buffalo scored just before halftime. After a quiet third quarter, Rivers heated up in the fourth, tossing touchdowns to Zach Pascal (nine yards) and Jack Doyle (27 yards) to pull within three points. He got the ball back with 2:30 remaining but came up short on a Hail Mary attempt as time expired after Buffalo was granted a timeout to negate a completion that would have put Indianapolis in field-goal range. If this is the last we see of Rivers, he went out in fitting fashion, putting up solid numbers but coming up just short when it mattered most.

Rivers (toe) was listed as a full participant on Wednesday's practice estimate.

EDGE Analysis

No surprises here, as Rivers has been managing a turf toe injury and is in no danger of missing Saturday's playoff opener against Buffalo. The veteran QB will take aim this weekend at a Bills defense that allowed an average of 232.9 passing yards per game and 23 TDs via the air this past season.

Rivers (toe) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's practice estimate.

EDGE Analysis

Rivers continues to manage a turf toe injury, with listed practice absences having become the norm. He's in no danger of missing Saturday's playoff opener against the Bills.

Rivers completed 17 of 27 passes for 164 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the Colts' 28-14 win over the Jaguars on Sunday. He also netted minus-2 yards on two rushes.

EDGE Analysis

With rookie running back Jonathan Taylor exploding for a career-best 253 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Rivers didn't have to shoulder much of a load. The 17-year veteran did connect with T.Y. Hilton for his one touchdown pass, capping off the Colts' opening drive. However, there wasn't much to write home about from that point forward, but Indianapolis now turns its attention to an extremely tough wild-card-round assignment in the form of the Bills next weekend. Meanwhile, Rivers powered through a nagging turf toe injury to eclipse the 4,000-yard mark for the eighth straight season, and he was able to cut his interception total by nine after tying a career high with 20 picks in his final Chargers season in 2019.

Rivers (toe) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Rivers was given Wednesday's practice off while he continues to manage a turf toe injury, but his return in full capacity a day later clears the way for him to start Week 17 versus the Jaguars. The Colts will need a victory over Jacksonville and a loss by either the Titans, Ravens, Browns or Dolphins to secure a playoff berth, so Rivers won't be a candidate to receive rest in the season finale unless Indianapolis turns the game into a blowout in the second half.

Rivers (toe) didn't practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

As the veteran quarterback continues to manage a turf toe injury, Wednesday absences from practice have become the norm. With the Colts still in playoff contention and needing to take care of business Sunday against the Jaguars, Rivers will almost certainly be cleared to play ahead of the Week 17 contest.

Rivers completed 22 of 35 pass attempts for 270 yards, one touchdown and one interception during Sunday's 28-24 loss to the Steelers.

EDGE Analysis

Rivers moved the offense efficiently in the first half and threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Zach Pascal to help his side build a 14-point lead at the break. Unfortunately, he couldn't get it going in the second half as the Colts failed to score on their last five drives, including one that ended in an interception. Rivers came into the game with a stellar 6:0 TD:INT over his previous three games and will look to finish the regular season on a high note in next Sunday's meeting with the hapless Jaguars.