There's good news and bad news for St. Michael Catholic (AL) quarterback Gunner Rivers. The good news: he avoided a season-ending injury. The bad news: Rivers might be out for a while. Gunner, the son of former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, went down with a knee injury in the first quarter against Battle Ground Academy (TN) in a game that was televised on ESPN on Saturday, Aug_ABBR. 22. The N.C. State commit had to be helped off the field, missing the rest of the game before BGA pulled away to win 41-18. "
Thankfully, it looks like Gunner avoided surgery and a season-ending injury," Rivers told AL.com's Ben Thomas. " We will take it one day at a time, and he will be back out there when he is ready. "
Rivers was seen heading into the locker room sporting a knee brace right before halftime of Saturday's game. In the second half, he returned without his helmet and shoulder pads. He finished 3 of 4 for 84 yards and a touchdown. So far, Gunner Rivers has thrown for 10,509 yards and 114 touchdowns against 15 interceptions in his career, according to MaxPreps. The Cardinals perhaps picked a great time to have a bye week in retrospect, as their next game will come on Friday, Sept_ABBR. 4, against UMS-Wright Prep (AL).
In the interim, backup quarterback Marshall Pitre should be getting the start, as he came in relief and completed 11 of 15 passes for 108 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Freshman Pete Rivers, son of Philip and young brother to Gunner, is also listed as quarterback on St. Michael Catholic's roster. Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gunner Rivers injury: Philip Rivers offers update on his son's knee injury
