Rivers’ debut with Colts dampened by INTs, loss

Philip Rivers’ Indianapolis debut ended up being a dud.

Rivers threw two interceptions in a 27-20 loss at Jacksonville in the season opener Sunday and had another one negated by a penalty away from the ball.

It was, by far, his worst performance in 10 games against the Jaguars.

The longtime Chargers star who signed a one-year, $25 million contract to join the Colts in March completed 36 of 46 passes for 363 yards and a touchdown. But the costly turnovers overshadowed everything else.

“Those are decisions you have to make in the heat of it,” Rivers said. “Certainly those turnovers hurt.” FANDEMONIUM IN JACKSONVILLE >> Only one stadium allowed fans to watch the action on the NFL’s opening Sunday over coronavirus concerns.

That was in Jacksonville, where the Jaguars were allowing 16,800 tickets to be distributed for their game. However, only 14,100 fans showed up to watch.

The Chiefs allowed 16,940 fans at their game Thursday night to kick off the 2020 season.

Both of tonight’s night games — at Metlife Stadium and Empower Field — will also be without fans. RECORD-SETTING JAG >> Jacksonville’s James Robinson made NFL history in his pro debut, rushing for 62 yards (90 yards in total offense) to break the mark for an undrafted rookie running back in a season opener.

Washington’s Ralph Nelson held the previous high for rushing yards by an undrafted rookie in Week 1, gaining 44 yards against New Orleans on Sept. 21, 1975.

Robinson also became the first undrafted rookie running back in 30 years to start in Week 1.

INJURY NEWS >> The Colts’ Marlon Mack, a 1,000-yard rusher last year, injured his right Achilles tendon, which could be season-ending.

The Dolphins lost top receiver DeVante Parker with a hamstring injury.

The Jets finished their game without their top running back, losing Le’Veon Bell to a hamstring injury.

The Bills lost two starting linebackers, Matt Milano (hamstring) and Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder).