Rivers ready for first Lucas Oil Stadium start since clinching playoff berth when Colts, 49ers meet

Key Highlights

• "But to me, it’s like ‘Hey, you get to play football, potentially, for four more weeks and maybe then some.’ And as long as I can live with the results, both good or bad, and go back home and move on, then I was willing to go for it, and I was able to get to that place mentally.”While many around the league — from Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons — lauded Rivers' effort to make a comeback, most were intrigued to see how Rivers would play. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYes, he does have some physical limitations, and, yes, concerns about his mobility, his ability to throw deep and the long layoff prompted Steichen to take a safer approach in last week's 18-16 loss at Seattle. While Indy leaned heavily on its ground game and a short passing game to protect Rivers from taking needless hits, he still went 18 of 27 with 120 yards and threw an interception on Indy's final offensive play. The Colts (8-6) lost their fourth straight game to remain one spot outside the AFC's seven-team playoff field, and Rivers acknowledged this week he must be better over the final three games to save Indy's fading playoff hopes. Still, the 49ers (10-4) know what they're up against.
• Three years ago, when San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was looking for stability at quarterback, he reached out to Rivers.
• Because the need didn't actually arise until the NFC championship game, Rivers never signed. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut after studying last week's tape, Shanahan believes Rivers still has what it takes.“I see a guy who knows how to play the position as good as anyone,” Shanahan said.
• "I think he had 27 throws in that game and every ball goes right to the exact spot.
• He attacked their coverages great.