An illness is not expected to force Philip Rivers to miss his first career start.

But his symptoms are severe enough that the Chargers are adding a third quarterback to their roster, sources said.

Brad Sorensen was promoted Saturday off the practice squad. He’ll likely be active Sunday against the Chiefs, serving as insurance the team is hopeful it won’t need. Rivers has made 156 consecutive starts since becoming the team’s primary signal caller in 2006. It’s the fourth-longest steak in NFL history and second-longest active streak behind Eli Manning (179).

Rivers, who turned 34 on Tuesday, has been on the injury report since a Nov. 29 foot ailment.


After being limited Wednesday, he was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. He was listed as probable to play at Arrowhead Stadium, and that designation remains despite Rivers not feeling well. Similar to safety Eric Weddle, who received six bags of intravenous fluids last weekend due to illness, Rivers is taking precautions to ensure he’s fit to see the field.

Sorensen is a 2013 seventh-round pick from Southern Utah. He’s yet to attempt a regular-season pass in the NFL.

Kellen Clemens, 32, will serve as Rivers’ primary backup.