Gunner Rivers left St. Michael Catholic's season opener on Saturday, Aug. 22, after suffering an apparent leg injury, putting a sudden pause on what had already been a sharp start for the Cardinals. The St. Michael Catholic senior quarterback and NC State four-star commit was helped off after taking a hard hit, and by the end of the half it was clear the situation had become the main storyline.
St. Michael Catholic had opened with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Nygel Mitchell, and Rivers was active early before the injury on the second drive. In the first quarter, he scrambled for a first down and was hit hard before reaching the line. That moment appeared to be the point when the problem began.
What was said about the injury?
During the game, reported that Philip Rivers told Ashley Stroelein his son had taken a hit to the right knee and was dealing with spasms. The update suggested the knee itself was believed to be fine, but the discomfort was enough to require treatment and monitoring.
Stroelein also said Rivers was getting work on the right knee, which had been taped up, and that the hope was he could return if he felt well enough. That gave St. Michael Catholic at least some reason to think the injury might not end his night immediately.
Did Gunner Rivers return?
Before halftime, Rivers was seen heading to the locker room wearing a knee brace. During the break, said he put his helmet on and tried to throw the football, but on his first throw he planted with his right foot and immediately winced in pain.
After halftime, Rivers was not wearing his helmet or shoulder pads. That strongly suggested he was done for the day, even if the early hope had been that he might be able to come back.
The numbers before the injury were efficient enough: 3-for-4 for 81 yards and a touchdown. But the bigger concern now is not the box score. It is whether Rivers can recover quickly from the right-knee issue and be ready for the next step in St. Michael Catholic's season.
