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The San Francisco 49ers may find themselves squarely in the middle of one of the strangest NFL stories of the season.
44-year-old former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers rejoined the Indianapolis Colts after not playing since the 2020 season. Rivers and the Colts are set to host the 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 16.
While the Rivers return has been viewed with a ton of skepticism, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan isn't convinced it's a crazy move. He told reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice that Rivers is on the very short list of players who could pull off this type of return.
“Well, when he played, he was one of the best quarterbacks of all time," Shanahan said. "The way, as you get older, I think mobility leaves big time, arm strength doesn't always. And when you have guys that are at an elite level who will play in the pocket and have the size to hang in there and still have arm strength to make the throws that you need to make, that gives guys like that an opportunity or a chance to be able to pull off something like this. And I would say he's one of the few who would have a chance to do this.”
It's worth noting that when Rivers hung up his pads after the 2020 season he was still producing at good level. In his final year he completed 68 percent of his throws for 4,169 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while guiding the Colts to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance. Even in their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Rivers threw for 309 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
The 49ers schedule undoubtedly got easier when Jones got hurt, but it's clear Shanahan doesn't view it that way if Rivers is the one lining up under center for the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday Night Football.
More 49ers: New 49ers LB is already dealing with an injury
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Philip Rivers return 'has a chance' to be successful says 49ers HC
Continue reading...
44-year-old former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers rejoined the Indianapolis Colts after not playing since the 2020 season. Rivers and the Colts are set to host the 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 16.
While the Rivers return has been viewed with a ton of skepticism, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan isn't convinced it's a crazy move. He told reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice that Rivers is on the very short list of players who could pull off this type of return.
“Well, when he played, he was one of the best quarterbacks of all time," Shanahan said. "The way, as you get older, I think mobility leaves big time, arm strength doesn't always. And when you have guys that are at an elite level who will play in the pocket and have the size to hang in there and still have arm strength to make the throws that you need to make, that gives guys like that an opportunity or a chance to be able to pull off something like this. And I would say he's one of the few who would have a chance to do this.”
It's worth noting that when Rivers hung up his pads after the 2020 season he was still producing at good level. In his final year he completed 68 percent of his throws for 4,169 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while guiding the Colts to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance. Even in their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Rivers threw for 309 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
The 49ers schedule undoubtedly got easier when Jones got hurt, but it's clear Shanahan doesn't view it that way if Rivers is the one lining up under center for the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday Night Football.
More 49ers: New 49ers LB is already dealing with an injury
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Philip Rivers return 'has a chance' to be successful says 49ers HC
Continue reading...
