Chargers' Rivers on road to recovery
By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO -- Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers continues to make strides in his rehabilitation from a late-season injury to his right foot.
Speaking after a voluntary players' workout on Thursday, Rivers expressed optimism that he'll be fully recovered by the team's minicamp the first weekend of May.
"It's feeling pretty good," Rivers said. "It's coming along. I don't see it being an issue. Come minicamp, I should be good to go."
Rivers injured the foot in the regular-season finale against Arizona on Dec. 31. He then reaggravated the injury during the team's playoff loss to New England two weeks later.
"After that game, I kind of knew it wasn't real good," Rivers said. "I was fortunate not to have any surgery. I think we've made a lot of good progress here the last couple months."
Rivers said his two biggest offseason priorities are getting healthy and continuing to improve. He would like to see the team make a deep playoff run this season after first-round losses in two of the past three campaigns.
"Obviously, we're all disappointed in how the season ended last year," Rivers said. "But at the same time, we have a lot to be proud of and we want to build on that.
"I don't think you build on it by trying to go 14-2 again. Sure, we'd love to do that. I think you build on it by striving towards that goal of winning it all.
"Obviously, we know what it takes now and we can't let this opportunity keep slipping by because this team isn't going to be here forever."
Turner visits Bills
The Buffalo Bills revealed that restricted free-agent running back Michael Turner visited the team on Thursday, prompting Chargers general manager A.J. Smith to confirm that the two teams have held trade discussions.
Turner is tendered at a level that would require any team signing him to a free-agent offer sheet to give up first- and third-round draft picks if the Chargers don't match it. The more likely scenario is that a trade will be worked out in which a team acquires Turner at a lower cost.
"We have had dialogue over the possibility of Michael Turner joining the Buffalo Bills and we have exchanged thoughts on compensation," Smith said. "Right now, like I've said before, it's a one and a three, but we will continue to be flexible. We're very open to any package."
The Chargers and Tennessee Titans have also conducted trade talks regarding Turner.
Waiting on Godfrey
Smith said he hopes to have an answer before the April 28-29 NFL draft on whether free-agent linebacker Randall Godfrey will play for the Chargers next season. Godfrey, who turns 34 today, joined the Chargers in 2004 and is highly regarded by Smith because of the "veteran leadership" he provides.
-- Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.
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Jake wrote on Apr 13, 2007 1:13 PM:It looks like Rivers has the proper attitude to continue his growth as a young QB. I am not to worried about the QB position. The Chargers seem to have a lot of depth there.
tbone wrote on May 4, 2007 2:26 PM:We can't overlook the fact that last year was Rivers' first year. With that experience and a new recieving corps I'm certain the passing game will only get better.
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