After missing five consecutive weeks following a knee injury suffered in St. Michael Catholic's (AL) season opener, Gunner Rivers returned to the field two weeks ago. That return was short-lived.

Ben Thomas of AL.com reported Friday morning that Gunner, the son of St. Michael Catholic head coach and former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, has been shut down for the remainder of the regular season.

“He’s just not there yet,” Philip told Thomas regarding his son.

The Fairhope, Alabama program has two regular-season games remaining. They play Montgomery Catholic (AL) on Friday and close out the regular season at home on Oct. 30 against Foley (AL).

A four-star NC State commit, Gunner started his senior season hot, leading the Cardinals on a season-opening scoring drive against Battle Ground Academy (TN) by completing four of five pass attempts for 85 yards and a touchdown.

On the following drive, he scrambled and injured his knee rushing for a first down.Junior quarterback Marshal Pitre filled in for Gunner during his time away, leading the Cardinals to a 3-3 record, throwing for 823 yards and six touchdowns.

Gunner returned for the Cardinals' game against Houston Academy (AL) on Oct. 12. In limited action, he went 9-of-13 passing for 110 yards and a touchdown in a 34-28 win.

Four days later, Gunner started his first game since the season-opener. The Cardinals beat Glenwood (AL) 48-27, with Gunner going 18-of-29 for 227 yards and four touchdowns.

Heading into this season, Gunner had thrown for 3,000-plus yards in each of his last three seasons. One of Alabama's all-time passing leaders, he's thrown for 10,847 yards and 119 touchdowns in his career.

247Sports ranks Gunner as a four-star prospect, the No. 43 overall player, No. 4 quarterback and top player in Alabama for the 2027 cycle. He announced his commitment to NC State, his dad's alma mater, on Feb. 23.