REPORT: Philip Rivers enters league’s concussion protocol
By Travis Wakeman
Philip Rivers’ consecutive starts streak could be in jeopardy.
According to a tweet from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback will enter the league’s concussion protocol. The symptoms were self reported by Rivers.
#Chargers QB Philip Rivers is in the concussion protocol after coming into the facility today and self-reporting symptoms. Kellen Clemens is the backup if he can’t go.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 13, 2017
It is unclear when a potential head injury may have taken place during Sunday’s game between the Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Rivers must pass the concussion protocol in order to suit up and play in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills. If he is unable to play, it would be significant news.
Rivers has made 185 consecutive starts and has never missed a game since becoming the team’s starting quarterback in 2006. It’s a tremendous streak and it would be a shame to see it end.
If Rivers is unable to play, Kellen Clemens would likely make his first start since the 2013 season when he was a member of the St. Louis Rams. Former Buffalo Bills draft pick Cardale Jones would be the team’s backup.
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Rivers currently sits in fourth place on the all-time list in terms of consecutive starts. Only Eli Manning, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre have started more games in a row.
This is the latest blow for a Chargers team that is beginning to play its way out of the AFC playoff race. Following an excruciating overtime loss to the Jaguars, this is insult to injury.
Rivers hasn’t had his best season. He’s completed just 60.1 percent of his passes and turned the ball over nine times (7 interceptions, 2 fumbles) while compiling just an 87.8 quarterback rating.
If Clemens starts the game, he would be the first player not named Rivers to start a game for the Chargers at quarterback since Drew Brees did so on New Years Eve in 2005 against the Denver Broncos.