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stephen holder
INDIANAPOLIS — colts quarterback philip rivers Moved one step closer to debut against seahawks on Sunday, even though the team has not yet publicly made any plans for the game.
Coach Shane Steichen would not confirm whether he planned to start Rivers, who came out of retirement at 44 after five years away from the NFL, to help the troubled Colts after a season-ending quarterback injury. Daniel JonesBut whatever Steichen and the Colts saw from Rivers served to create more momentum for him starting against Seattle,
Steichen said, “He has great command in the tackle. He was throwing it well.” “So we’re excited for it. He’s excited for the challenge, getting back into it, getting back to feeling the pass rush. Got some good work in it.”
The Colts started the week with Rivers planning to take things on a day-by-day basis. The situation was so unprecedented that they did not know what to expect from them physically. But Rivers responded well.
Rivers also admitted shortly before his first practice on Wednesday that he didn’t know what to expect. But Steichen said Rivers came through well during the last three workouts.
“I would say it was pretty cool,” Steichen said. “For a guy who hasn’t been there in five years to go this week and see the way he practiced was pretty impressive.”
Steichen and Rivers have a long history of working together los angeles chargersThose multi-year deep dives on aggression began again this week, Steichen said, as he delved into the game plan,
Steichen said, “It was strange because, talking to him, it seemed like he picked up right where he left off five years ago.” “Just watching the game and seeing different looks… and it was going back and forth and ping-ponging ideas off each other.”
The plan between now and Sunday, Steichen said, is to meet with Rivers on Friday afternoon to get a final assessment of where the quarterback is at and make sure everyone is on the same page.
The next step will be for the Colts to make necessary roster decisions, including elevating Rivers from the practice squad. He was not included on the 53-man active roster and will have to be elevated to be eligible to play on Sunday.
At this point it seems like a formality. According to teammates, Rivers took an active role in practices, challenging players on details large and small. He was also generally a vocal leader in meetings.
But the Colts are trying to keep Rivers’ comeback in perspective, Steichen said. Expectations should be realistic.
“Like he said, he’s not here to save the season,” Steichen said. “He’s here to be a great leader, a great teammate, go out there, operate the offense, get us in and out of the right plays. That’s the process, and that’s the way he’s taken it.”
Meanwhile, the backup quarterback riley leonardSuffered a knee injury after replacing the injured Jones on Sunday against jacksonville jaguarsParticipated in its third consecutive practice on Friday. Steichen said Leonard took some first-team snaps in practice this week and seems likely to be available.
“He feels good,” Steichen said.
