The Indianapolis Colts are obviously taking a massive risk. What else could the team have done, though? Indy is still 8-5 and would make the playoffs if they could start winning some games again. Would Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard give the team a better chance to win those games?
While Indy has yet to name a starter for the team's Week 15 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Rivers wouldn't be a shocking QB1. While some might have viewed the Colts' signing of him as simply a mentor for Leonard, it might have also made Leonard feel better if the only reason he was going back to the bench was that Indy had brought in Rivers.
One former player-turned-NFL analyst who believes Indianapolis' recent move will be a complete failure is Ryan Clark. Clark has made a good living lately by espousing his views in outlandish ways. He continued that trend ahead of Week 15 while speaking on ESPN's First Take.
Philip Rivers put at risk for saving the Indianapolis Colts' season
"I believe this is incompetent," Clark said. "And I also believe it is irresponsible. This is not Michael Jordan coming back to play basketball after three years off for the Washington Wizards. This is a man in Phillip 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 would get after your keester if you were freaking Michael Vick.
While some might disagree with Clark's vitriol, he also might not be factually incorrect. The Colts have had atrocious luck with injuries this season. Just when things couldn't seem to get worse, they do. It is one thing to lose cornerback Sauce Gardner just weeks after acquiring him in a trade, but losing Charvarius Ward again made everything more awful.
Plus, in Week 15, while Rivers will be playing his first game in five seasons, Indy will likely also be without starting right tackle Braden Smith. The player attempting to protect Rivers to his right against a very good Seahawks defense will be rookie Jalen Travis.
The positive part is that Philip Rivers has always been a smart player. He understands his limitations and knows he isn't fast. The quarterback will likely try to get rid of the ball fast, limiting the amount of hits he takes. This should keep him healthy and potentially help Indy move the ball down the field one first down at a time.
If something happens to Rivers (and, clearly, let's hope it doesn't), then Clark would be correct. The Indianapolis Colts would have put the 44-year-old QB in a position to be injured. Or maybe Rivers comes in and beats the Seahawks and saves the season, and all Indy fans have the best Christmas ever.