Philip Rivers, the former quarterback of the Chargers and Colts, has stated he would be open to returning to the NFL if the New Orleans Saints came calling.

Saints starter Jameis Winston suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Sunday. Rivers, who retired after the 2020 season, instantly became a topic at the rumor mill.

“Philip Rivers tells me he hasn’t heard from the Saints but would listen,” tweeted veteran Los Angeles Times NFL reporter Sam Farmer.

Rivers, in a previous story with Farmer, had indicated that he would be open to returning to the NFL late this season, after his responsibilities of coaching the St. Michael Catholic high school football team completed in late October.

“It’s funny, some of my children are still asking, ‘So, Dad, are you playing in December? You gonna play this year late if somebody wants you?’ I go, ‘I don’t know. Let’s not rule it out. Who knows?’” Rivers said.

Drew Brees, the longtime former Saints quarterback who is now a commentator for NBC Sports, indicated Sunday night he would not be interested in returning to New Orleans. ProFootballTalk founder Mike Florio reported that the Saints would “not be pursuing” free agent quarterback Cam Newton to replace the injured Winston.

Journeyman quarterback Trevor Siemian replaced Winston on Sunday, and the former Jets signal-caller actually completed an upset of the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Saints also have Taysom Hill on their roster, though he suffered a concussion against the Washington Football Team on Oct. 10,and is expected to clear protocol for the Saints’ game this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

Of all the options to replace Winston in New Orleans, Rivers, with his fiery personality and high variance play on the field, would definitely be the most interesting. Rivers led the Colts to an 11-5 record last season, before they lost 27-24 in the first round of the playoffs to the Buffalo Bills.

Rivers turns 40 years old in December.