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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Philip Rivers' return to the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad after five years away from the NFL quickly became the talk of the town, but the team seriously turned heads with news that he'll start against the Seattle Seahawks.
The 44-year-old quarterback decided to unretire after the Colts' quarterback fiasco, when Daniel Jones suffered an Achilles injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With young quarterback Riley Leonard not having much experience as their field general, the team looked towards some outside help.
Rivers answered the call and has since sparked buzz about his ability to contribute at his age and in the level of shape he's in.
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The Colts appear ready to play him against a tough Seahawks team, and according to ESPN's Ryan Clark, it's not a good look. The former player and current analyst unloaded his thoughts about the situation during "First Take."
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“I believe this is foul … I believe this is incompetent, and I also believe it is irresponsible,” Clark told his co-stars, Shae Cornette, Stephen A. Smith, and Cam Newton.
“This is not Michael Jordan coming back to play basketball after three years off for the Washington Wizards. This is a man in Philip Rivers who was always a stationary target, taking five years off to coach high school football and then coming back to play against the Seattle Seahawks, who will get after your kiester if you are Michael Vick,” he said.
Read more: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Reacts to Philip Rivers’ NFL Return
Clark took exception to the fact that Rivers, who he said is a non-first-ballot Hall of Fame QB, was coming to take over Riley Leonard's spot. Leonard was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after playing for Duke and Notre Dame in college.
"[Leonard]'s been there the entire season. The last five years, he's been playing football! He's been working out! He's been preparing to be an NFL quarterback! Philip Rivers has not," Clark said of the situation during his tirade.
The former NFL star said that even if Rivers proves him wrong with his actions, he won't retract his statement. Rivers is expected to start in Sunday's game, as the Colts chase the playoffs amid their struggles with the quarterback.
"Philip ain't wrong," Clark said, instead calling out coach Shane Steichen and the Colts over the decision to start the 44-year-old.
Despite surging earlier this season behind Jones, the Colts have stumbled. They’re currently at No. 8 in the AFC with a record of 8-5, and sit third in the AFC South. The Houston Texans have since jumped ahead of them for a playoff spot.
Read more: Philip Rivers’ Colts Return Gets Strong Reaction from NFL Hall of Famer
Meanwhile, the Seahawks are also in the NFC playoff picture and looking to keep winning so they can potentially move up in the standings. They currently sit at second in the NFC West, chasing the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams.
As their website notes, they feature one of the league's best pass-rushing units and an overall disruptive defense. That could equate to a horrible return for Rivers from retirement to the football field.
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For more about the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL, visit Newsweek Sports.
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