Long before 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers came out of retirement to join the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad this week, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was in touch with Rivers during the 2022 season.

San Francisco signal-callers Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were sidelined with injuries at the time, which left then-rookie Brock Purdy as the club's starter through the NFC Championship Game. On Wednesday, Shanahan was asked about the chats he had with Rivers roughly three years ago.

How close was Philip Rivers to joining 49ers during 2022 season?

"We talked to Phillip as soon as Jimmy broke his foot and talked about the possibility of coming in," Shanahan explained, per the 49ers' website. "I remember telling him that we really felt good about t

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