Chargers surprisingly announce Philip Rivers in concussion protocol
The last time Philip Rivers didn’t start a game for the Los Angeles Chargers, the team was in San Diego and Rivers was still sitting behind Drew Brees. He has made every start since taking over the starting job in 2006, including starting a playoff game with a torn ACL.
Rivers’ streak of 194 consecutive starts is in danger. The Chargers announced Rivers is in the concussion protocol, which is a surprise since he finished Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Kellen Clemens is the Chargers’ backup.
Rivers’ final pass was intercepted by A.J. Bouye, and Rivers delivered a hard hit to keep Bouye from getting in the end zone. Rivers didn’t show any signs he was concussed on that play, and the Chargers’ offense didn’t get back on the field. The Jaguars kicked a game-winning field goal in overtime after Bouye’s interception.
According to Greg Beacham of the Associated Press, Rivers self-reported the symptoms, which is a sign that they were fairly serious.
Rivers has started 185 regular-season games in a row, and all nine playoff games he has appeared in. His streak of 194 consecutive games is fourth in NFL history, according to Beacham. Brett Favre (321), Peyton Manning (227) and Eli Manning (220 and counting) are the only players with streaks longer than Rivers.
Rivers could still play this week if he’s cleared. If not, it will be very strange seeing someone other than Rivers lining up under center for the Chargers.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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