The last quarterback to lead the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs is back in blue as a member of the team's practice squad, Axios Indianapolis' Justin L. Mack reports.

• Why it matters: Philip Rivers is one of a long list of athletes — including Magic Johnson, Tom Brady and Michael Phelps — who've gotten back into their sports after retiring. These stars' unexpected second acts show us how drive and competitive spirit can defy age.

💡 Fun fact: Monday was Rivers' 44th birthday, making the eight-time Pro Bowler and recent grandfather the oldest player in today's NFL.

Catch up quick: Rivers spent a single season with the Colts in 2020, leading the team to an 11-5 record and the Wild Card round in the postseason.

• Before that, he spent 16 years with the Chargers and became an all-time franchise great.
• After retiring from the NFL in early 2021, Rivers began his career as head coach of the St. Michael Catholic High School football team in Alabama.

🏋️ But now, Rivers is a Colt again after working out with the team this week.

• His return to the roster comes as injuries threaten to shatter the Colts' dream season. An Achilles tear suffered Sunday against Jacksonville has sidelined QB Daniel Jones for the rest of the season, and No. 2 option Anthony Richardson Sr. remains on injured reserve with a broken orbital bone.

💰 The money quotes: When Michael Phelps decided to push himself and come back for the 2016 Rio Olympics, he told his coach: "I have more things I want to accomplish."

• Shane Steichen, the Colts' head coach, tells CNN that when he asked Rivers if he'd be open to rejoining the team, Rivers said, "Dadgummit, let's freaking go."

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A view of Lake Wenatchee in the Cascades in Washington state, captured by reader Larry Leland of Seattle.