Rivers has not taken an NFL snap since the 2020 season.
The Colts' season took a significant turn on Sunday when starter Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles against the Jacksonville Jaguars, forcing Indianapolis to seek out experienced help under center. Despite an 8-5 record, the Colts have dropped three straight and four of their last five but remain in the AFC playoff hunt.
During his final NFL season, which was with the Colts, Rivers threw for 4,169 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, per Pro Football Reference. Over his 17-year NFL career—16 of those with the Chargers—he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was one of the league's most productive quarterbacks, throwing for 63,440 yards and 421 touchdowns.
The 49ers previously explored adding Rivers in 2022 after losing Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo to season-ending injuries. However, then-rookie Brock Purdy's breakout performance diminished the need for another veteran quarterback.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan later admitted that when Purdy suffered an elbow injury in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the idea of signing Rivers resurfaced. However, instead of advancing to the Super Bowl, the 49ers' season ended in Philadelphia.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers training camp Week 2: Full practice schedule, media availability, and key dates
San Francisco 49ers players have Thursday off but will kick off their second week of training camp on Friday. Assistant head coach/offensive line Chris Foerster, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer are scheduled to speak with the... -
49ers training camp Week 1: Full practice schedule, media availability, and key dates
The San Francisco 49ers officially opened training camp on Saturday, with the team's first full practice scheduled for Sunday. Chris Foerster will serve as interim head coach as Kyle Shanahan recovers from injuries sustained in a car accident. Along with Foerster, defensive... -
49ers' George Kittle is running routes and confident he'll be 100% healthy by Week 1
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle knows the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. That's why he has no intention of rushing back from the torn Achilles he suffered on January 11 if it jeopardizes his long-term health. Still, the All-Pro tight end is optimistic... -
Schefter on 49ers TE George Kittle's Week 1 return: 'I don't think it's a given'
All signs continue to point toward San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle achieving his goal of returning for Week 1 of the 2026 season, when the 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. Kittle is just six months removed from suffering a torn Achilles during San...