Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol on Monday. On Friday, he was cleared which means he can suit up against the Buffalo Bills, the Chargers announced.
Philip Rivers cleared from concussion protocol, can play against Bills
Rivers reported concussion symptoms on Monday but was cleared Friday.
Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
What happened? On Monday, the day after the Chargers lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rivers self-reported symptoms of a concussion and was placed into concussion protocol immediately.
Rivers was limited during Wednesday’s practice, and head coach Anthony Lynn told the media that Rivers’ workload would increase as he progresses. Lynn believed Rivers would play this week but stressed that the doctors would make that final decision.
“I just let the doctors handle it. And, Philip will be brutally honest with us. I told him to be honest about this injury. He has been so far, and that’s all you can go on,” Lynn said.
In fact, Lynn praised Rivers about self-reporting the concussion symptoms, calling his actions “admirable.”
“Concussions, especially the light that’s been shone on it the last 10 years, head injuries and things of that nature need to be taken seriously. So I admire him for the way that he handled it.”
Rivers was a full participant during Thursday’s practice. An independent neurologist then medically cleared Rivers, who will suit up against the Bills.
The 35-year-old quarterback hasn’t missed a game since he took over as the Chargers’ starting quarterback in 2006.
Why does this matter? A concussion is a serious injury in the NFL, and it’s great to see that Rivers is doing well. The Chargers are currently 3-6, sitting in third place in the AFC West. Their chances of winning the division are slim, but they still have an outside shot of clinching a wild card spot. And Los Angeles’ only hope of making the playoffs is if Rivers is under center.
It also means Rivers’ streak of 185 consecutive starts will be able to continue with start No. 186 on Sunday.
Rivers, a six-time Pro Bowler, has orchestrated some of the most high-powered offenses in his career and is more than capable of leading the Chargers to the postseason. They need him now more than ever.
See More:
