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Newly signed Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers will once again wear No. 17 during his return from retirement, despite the number having been previously worn by injured quarterback Daniel Jones during the 2025 NFL season, a league spokesman confirmed to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo on Wednesday (December 10).
“The league approved it as it does not present a competitive issue as one player will be wearing that number," the spokesman said, according to Garafolo.
Rivers, 44, officially signed to the Colts practice squad and was introduced during a press conference on Wednesday after visiting and working out with the team on Tuesday (December 9).
Rivers' signing came in the wake of Jones' season-ending injury, with backup Anthony Richardson Sr. on injured reserve, and rookie Riley Leonard, who took over in Jones' absence during last Sunday's (December 7) loss to the AFC South Division rival Jacksonville Jaguars, also dealing with an injury, but set to practice ahead of this Sunday's (December 14) game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Rivers spent his final NFL season in Indianapolis in 2020 after 16 with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, reuniting with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who worked on the Chargers' staff from 2014-2020, which included stints as Rivers' quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator. The former N.C. State standout is the Chargers' all-time leader in passing yards (59,271), passing touchdowns (397) and quarterback wins (123).
Jones suffered the injury on a non-contact play while dropping back to pass late in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, appearing to lose his footing while throwing the football. The veteran quarterback fell to the wet turf and was seen growing his right lower leg, showing visible frustration by slamming his helmet multiple times before being helped to his feet and walked off the field.
Jones was already dealing with a fibula fracture -- believed to be a hairline fracture -- that he played through during the last two games, which limited his mobility in consecutive losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. Jones was in the middle of a career renaissance during his lone season with the Colts, having led Indianapolis to an 8-5 record in 13 starts while throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 261 of 384 passing.