Overview
- Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Rivers will start Monday night against the 49ers, emphasizing the team did not sign him to sit and praising his command and leadership.
- Rivers' first game in nearly five years produced 18-of-27 passing for 120 yards with one touchdown and one interception in an 18-16 loss at Seattle, a performance league coaches and analysts characterized as solid given the circumstances.
- The unretirement resets two clocks: his Hall of Fame eligibility now begins a new five-year wait and his NFL post-career health and dental coverage restarts, a notable benefit for his large family.
- 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan voiced respect for Rivers' debut, and the veteran is 528 passing yards shy of Ben Roethlisberger for sixth on the NFL's all-time list, a target he could reach over the final three games.
- Indianapolis turned to Rivers after Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles tear with Anthony Richardson on injured reserve and rookie Riley Leonard limited, and reporting has raised questions about Richardson’s future and potential trade value as Steichen even consulted team veterans before the move.