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Rivers Practicing Cadences Virtually
By: Mike Stiles - Thursday, May 28, 2020

Philip Rivers (photo courtesy of Getty Images)

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Philip Rivers has yet to step foot inside his new team’s facility, shake the hands of his teammates or give coach Frank Reich a hug after being reunited with him.

Rivers also hasn't had any on-field work with his center, but one thing he can practice during the coronavirus pandemic. is cadence calls and playcalls -- even if it's virtually.

It's not ideal, but those obstacles haven’t kept Rivers from showing leadership during the team’s virtual meetings with coaches and teammates.

Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton says he feels like he has gotten to know Rivers this way. Hilton says Rivers takes control of the meetings, and is asking questions, trying to get the terminology. Hilton says it helps that Rivers has played in this offense in the past, so he just has to get used to what plays and formations are called now. Hilton says once he does, Rivers will be ready to go.

"Vocal" is the word coaches and teammates have used to describe Rivers since he signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Colts in March. But that’s expected, considering he is a veteran headed into his 17th NFL season and already is comfortable with the offense, as it’s basically the same one he’s run since 2013 when he and Reich were together with the Chargers. Offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni and tight ends coach Jason Michael were also on the Chargers' staff at different points.

The pandemic has left teams and players across the league trying to be creative when it comes to getting in sync, because few are working out in the same location.



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