As the New Orleans Saints prepare for Monday’s game with Ian Book potentially starting at quarterback, the organization reportedly tried everything they could to bring two veterans out of retirement to help save their season.
Per Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Saints officials not only reached out to Drew Brees, but also Philip Rivers about signing an emergency contract for their game against the Miami Dolphins.
“Saints called on Philip Rivers this week as well as Brees. Rivers ultimately decided to spend Christmas with his family.”
The Saints announced earlier this week that nine players, including Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill, have been placed on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
Blake Bortles signed with New Orleans to give the team a backup option.
Duncan did note that the team’s overtures to Brees and Rivers “should not be seen as an indictment” of Book, but rather because “he has never taken a snap in an official NFL game, and Miami features one of the most aggressive, high-pressure defenses in the league.”
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Rivers once told Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times earlier this year that he was “going to stay ready” in case an opportunity to play came up.
“I want to make sure I’m very clear: I’m not predicting I will play in December, or January, for that matter,” Rivers said. “One, you’ve got to have somebody who wants you, and two, it’s got to be right. But I have not completely ruled that out.”
Book has yet to appear in a game for the Saints this season.
