WHOA. Denver Broncos fans — and, frankly, NFL die-hards everywhere — are freaking out about the injury to Bo Nix that will end his postseason, giving Jared Stidham the starting QB role for the AFC championship game.
There’s no doubt that Stidham is the guy — you don’t go into a vital playoff game with a chance to go to the Super Bowl and just sign a free agent to play QB. But fans are all wondering: Could the ageless Philip Rivers be the guy if the Broncos decided to go that route?
The answer is: Seems to be no. I believe the Indianapolis Colts own his rights given that he was on the roster to end the season there.
It’s Stidham or bust, friends. But here’s some wishful thinking:
Philip Rivers, your watch is not over
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) January 18, 2026
It’s a shame the Colts still own Philip Rivers’ rights re: Bo Nix
— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) January 18, 2026
Philip Rivers after hearing about the Bo Nix injury pic.twitter.com/HHPN2eAZsm
— Trevor Knapp (@KnappBets) January 18, 2026
Philip Rivers showing up to win the Broncos the AFC Championship next weekpic.twitter.com/lGBTM4JqiH
— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) January 18, 2026
Alas.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Could Philip Rivers join Broncos after Bo Nix injury?