Jan 9, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter wildcard playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts began the season 7-1, but a team that once looked like a playoff lock has now lost four of its last five.

Perhaps most concerning is a quarterback situation that's now looking dire. Starter Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville, and with backup Anthony Richardson already on injured reserve with an eye injury, the Colts turned to sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard.

However, even Leonard's availability has now been called into question with a strained knee ligament. With their third-string quarterback potentially unavailable, Indianapolis is considering the nuclear option.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team plans to work out Philip Rivers on Tuesday. Rivers, who is 44, hasn't appeared in the NFL since his retirement following the 2020 season. He has since served as the head coach of St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.

Rivers would immediately become the oldest starting quarterback in the NFL this season, with that honor currently being held by Aaron Rodgers, who is 42. Joe Flacco is the only other quarterback older than 40 who has started a game this season.

Who is the oldest QB in NFL history?

While Rivers would become the league's oldest quarterback and one of the oldest to start a game ever, he wouldn't stand atop that list. Quite a few players have started a game at 44 or older, and even Tom Brady, who was 45 at the time of his retirement, was a few years away from setting the record.

That honor goes to George Blanda, whose career began in 1949 and last appeared in a game in 1975, when he was with the then-Oakland Raiders. He won a couple of pre-merger NFL championships earlier in his career and ultimately also set the NFL record for seasons played with 26.

He also remained a placekicker until the time of his retirement.

How many kids does Philip Rivers have?

Philip Rivers has 10 children, the oldest of which — Gunner Rivers — is currently a four-star quarterback prospect and top 100 recruit in the 2027 class.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Could Philip Rivers become oldest QB in NFL with Colts?

Reporting by Tyler Nettuno, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect