Overview
- Indianapolis signed Rivers to the practice squad this week after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, with Anthony Richardson on injured reserve and Riley Leonard working back from a knee issue.
- Steichen praised Rivers’ command and throwing in multiple practices but stopped short of naming a starter for Sunday in Seattle, noting game speed remains a consideration.
- Riley Leonard practiced fully and is trending toward availability, though the team has not committed to him or Rivers as QB1.
- Public reaction is sharply divided, with Cam Newton and ESPN’s Ryan Clark criticizing the move and former Chargers DB Quentin Jammer defending it based on Rivers’ fit with Steichen’s system.
- Tom Brady said he believes he could still play but cannot due to his Raiders ownership stake, and Rivers received a 70 overall rating in a Madden NFL 26 roster update.