Alex Smith To Start Week 17

He’s actually doing it.

After retiring following the 2020 season, 44-year-old Philip Rivers is signing with the Colts’ practice squad after working out with the club on Monday night, according to multiple reports.

Related players: Riley Leonard, Brett Rypien

You know the deal by now about the Colts QB situation. As the story said, we’ll see if Rivers is available for Sunday when the Colts head to Seattle. It's just not known yet if Rivers would start over Leonard and Rypien or would just be there as an emergency QB. As we reported earlier today, Rivers has worked with young QBs about to enter the NFL Draft, so he could be there as extra support for Leonard if he plays. One interesting note about a potential Rivers return, according to the story, whether Rivers gets on the field will affect his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rivers was named as one of 15 semifinalists for the class of 2026. His candidacy will reset if he signs to Indianapolis’ active roster, the story said.

Mike Tomlin on DK Metcalf, who was evaluated at a Baltimore hospital after the game with stomach pain: "I don't think it's going to jeopardize his availability at all."

Metcalf stayed in Baltimore Sunday night because of stomach pains but rejoined his team the following day in Pittsburgh. The post went on to say it may impact his practice participation early in the week, but Metcalf should be okay to play by Monday.

Colts QB Riley Leonard has a Grade 1 PCL sprain.

Related players: Philip Rivers, Brett Rypien

Rapoport said, "that's not the bad kind" in reference to the sprain, but Leonard's status is still up in the air for Week 15. The plan is for Rivers to join the practice squad and Leonard would start if he could, according to the post. Rapoport also said there is a chance Leonard wouldn't be able to play, but didn't say who would start if that was the case. Rapoport added Rivers has helped to work with young QBs before the NFL Draft, a list that includes Drake Maye, Bo Nix … and Leonard. Rapoport also added that Rivers - who as we just reported - actually worked out on Monday night for the Colts, and he could also serve as another set of eyes and ears for Leonard - as he did in the pre-draft process.