Ward leveled the rookie with a straight-up block on the fourth play of Pittsburgh's 38-10 victory on Oct. 19, leaving Rivers with a broken jaw. Ward wasn't penalized or fined for the block, which came from Rivers' side as he was chasing a ball carrier.

The first-round draft pick from Southern California has his jaw wired shut. He was in the locker room Wednesday and spoke with reporters about the block.

"I mean, I would have done it," he said. "Honestly, whatever. It is what it is. You know, you reap what you sow. That's what happens. What goes around, comes around. We'll see what happens."

If the injury wasn't so severe, Rivers said he would have done everything possible to be back on the field for the rematch in Pittsburgh on Nov. 20.

"If I was able to — if I didn't go on (injured reserve) — I'd do everything in my will," he said. "Shoot some cortisone in my face and I'll go. Whatever."

Reminded that the AFC North teams play twice a year, so he'll have plenty of chances to face Ward again, Rivers responded, "It's all good."