With the Colts placing Daniel Jones on injured reserve Tuesday, Rivers is able to wear the No. 17 he's worn every year of his career.

JJ Stankevitz

Philip Rivers is back in the NFL and back in his No. 17 jersey.

Daniel Jones wore No. 17 for the Colts this season, but with the Colts placing Jones on injured reserve Tuesday, Rivers is able to wear No. 17 with Jones no longer on the 53-man roster or practice squad.

Rivers was watching the Colts' Week 14 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and saw Jones' injury happen live on TV. Once Rivers decided to join the Colts, he texted Jones about wearing No. 17.

Jones told Rivers: "Heck yeah, go for it."

Rivers on Wednesday thanked Jones for being "gracious" about the jersey number, which Rivers added is "meaningful to me."

Rivers has worn No. 17 with the Colts (2020), San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2004-2019), North Carolina State (2000-2003) and at Athens High School in Alabama. His No. 17 is retired by North Carolina State.