Ron Rivera ‘wasn’t feeling well’ after returning to practice Thursday

October 1, 2020

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Ron Rivera returned to practice Thursday. However, the Washington Football Team head coach “wasn’t feeling well” and left shortly afterwards, leaving defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio to address the media after practice.

Jack Del Rio on Ron Rivera: "He wasn't feeling well. When he's not here, I step in. … I was able to have a conversation with him about the roster and game-planning prior to him exiting."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2020

Del Rio said Rivera and he talked about the team and game-planning for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Rivera missed Wednesday’s practice to undergo treatment for his skin cancer. Rivera continues to battle through the hurdles he faces trying to coach the team with the disease. That’s included receiving IV at halftime of Week 1’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Del Rio on Rivera: "He's battling right now. He's tough as can be and doing what he can. And as coaches and players, we have to do everything we can to carry on the message."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2020

Despite the rough start to the week, Rivera is expected be on the sidelines Sunday against the Ravens. However, Del Rio is prepared to step in at any point of Rivera’s absence.

Jack Del Rio when asked if Ron Rivera is expected to coach Sunday: "I'm prepared at any point to step in, even in the middle of the game if it were to happen. But it's my understanding that he will be ready to go."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2020

Del Rio has experience filling in during the season for a head coach dealing with a medical issue. In 2013, he served as interim head coach for the Denver Broncos for four games as head coach John Fox underwent heart surgery. Surely, Washington hopes Rivera feels comfortable enough to on the sidelines Sunday coaching the team.