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Rivers returns to practice, hopes to start
By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- Philip Rivers took half the practice repetitions on Thursday and said his sprained left knee is improving.
However, he stopped short of saying he'll be the Chargers' starting quarterback on Sunday against Detroit.
"That's the plan, but it's not Sunday," Rivers said. "You don't have to know right now."
Rivers split the repetitions with backup Billy Volek, who is being prepared in case Rivers can't play or suffers a setback during Sunday's contest.
Rivers wore a brace on the knee as he practiced. He said he has made progress in terms of recovering from the injury he suffered against Tennessee last Sunday.
Yet he also remained cautious while meeting with reporters.
"I felt good," Rivers said. "It's getting better. How you feel on Thursday isn't always how you're going to feel on Sunday. But it has certainly got a lot better."
Coach Norv Turner said Rivers wasn't held to a lower practice standard because of his injury and said Rivers looked good.
"I thought he threw the ball well," Turner said. "I thought he moved well in what we asked him to do. We'll just do a little bit more with him (today)."
The Chargers (8-5) take a three-game winning streak into the game against the Lions (6-7) and can clinch the AFC West crown with a victory. Rivers fueled last Sunday's comeback from a 14-point deficit by playing well in the fourth quarter and overtime of a 23-17 victory.
Rivers injured the knee in the second quarter after being clipped by Tennessee's Antwan Odom. He missed the rest of the first half before returning.
Despite hobbling around practice Thursday, Rivers said he's not worried about injuring the knee further if he plays.
"As in any game, you're somewhat at a risk just by walking on the field, at 100 percent or if not," Rivers said. "Yeah, the fact that it doesn't increase the chance of being further injured, certainly that makes you feel better."
While Rivers practiced Thursday, two other key players didn't. Tight end Antonio Gates (back, hip) and defensive tackle Jamal Williams (ankle) both missed practice.
Gates said he's still feeling pretty sore.
"I'm making a real push at this thing," Gates said. "I'm trying hard. I'm doing a lot of different things. I ran a little bit and I felt good. But it is still sharp pain because it is deep and it was a hard fall."
Starting right guard Mike Goff was a limited practice participant and plans to play Sunday. Goff has made 61 consecutive starts since joining the Chargers in 2004 and said he expects to play every snap against the Lions.
"If it comes to the point where I would be hurting the team, then that's when I would put the streak behind because this is more important than any one person," Goff said. "It's something I take self-pride in. I've been able to play through some things and I look forward to continuing that but if there ever comes a time where I don't think I can go, I just need to accept that. If somebody can do it better than I can, then it's time for me to step aside."
Rookie receiver Craig Davis was a limited practice participant after injuring an ankle while running a route during Thursday's practice. Turner said Davis was experiencing soreness in the Achilles' tendon.
Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.
Jaque wrote on Dec 14, 2007 6:11 AM:Rivers should take the day off, considering, as so many have told me, that the Bolts are 10 point favorites, and have won a bunch of games against loosing opponents lately. Give the ball to LT all three downs instead on just the first 2 downs. Volek to Craig "Busted" Davis..."interception!" Detroit hangs on to break its losing streak and the Chargers make Kitna look like Montana.
Matt wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:30 AM:Remember how poorly Rivers played When he got hurt at the end of last season? I think it would be in the best long-term interest of the Chargers & Rivers for him to take some time to get healthy. Stay focused on the primary goal: Super Bowl Champs, not just AFC West Champs!
Long Board Spikeman wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:37 AM:Juuqe's option don't fish, Second Team on 1 and 2 downs, if 3rd and short leave them in, if long bring in first team to secure the rock! get every body rolling if lions jump up 7 or tie by the 2nd quarter bring in first team to secure the score go back to second team, goal is to get them tuned up for mop up after donks and silver and black and win too!! I like our depth at receiver..floyd, osgood. nanee. "The meat tenderizer method" poundit and then Q it!!
Jaque wrote on Dec 14, 2007 8:18 AM:I like it Long Board!
Markus wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:12 AM:Oh Where oh where have our rose-colored brethren Bobby, Roy and Joe gone?? Outside of the meth-induced absurdities of Jaque this blog has turned way to practical and predictable... Come on guys, there's still plenty of time spit your vitriol at AJ and Norvitis for their pathetic efforts.
Concerned-1 wrote on Dec 14, 2007 10:56 AM:I'm sort of with Long Board, but I wouldn't take this Detroit team too mildly. I like the idea of getting more players involved, and giving some regulars a rest. Still, the W is the most important thing. Whatever it takes. Go Bolts!
Santa Bolt wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:00 AM:Show me your "CHARGER CHRISTMAS CHEER" Marcus - What would you have your charger land looking like this season? *Santa doesn't deliver the reverse of what is desired!!
Jimbo wrote on Dec 14, 2007 11:42 AM:Sit Rivers. Play Volek. Rivers already has problems setting his feet and throwing. No need to add more INTs this week to his season total.
Flat Top Bolt Pop wrote on Dec 14, 2007 12:03 PM:I'm with Jimbo!
Santa Bolt wrote on Dec 14, 2007 4:21 PM:Better not catch you fighting at swami's Long board, get a bag of silver and black coal you will!
Jimbo & Jaque a Raider couple? wrote on Dec 14, 2007 7:06 PM:Sit Jimbo. Rollover Jimbo. Jimbo fetch this coming monday`s news paper the one with Philip Rivers & his never say die TEAM MATES celebrating another AFC West title. Rivers is going to play sunday so sit,watch & maybe Philip will throw you a treat
chappy wrote on Dec 15, 2007 5:33 AM:Jimbo i've heard you speak your mind one to many times and im sick of it. Rivers is are future and will soon lead us to a SuperBowl. LT last year said he was glad to win the MVP trophy in 2006 because he had a Quarterback who would win the award in years too come. Check your history and realize we have a great QB in his second year still getting better. Look at Ben Roethlisberger in his second year....he struggled and put it together in the playoffs to lead his team to a championship. Rivers is a great QB and has done things in his first 2 years that nobody in charger history has done and thats win games coming from behind. Take a second and realize we have a great competitor who will start this Sunday and do something Drew Brees never did and thats win a DIVISION TITLE WITH A FIRST PLACE SCHEDULE!!! Rivers is 22-7 as a starter so get off his back Jimbo...go back to the Raiders you hater
BoltDan wrote on Dec 17, 2007 8:28 AM:I agree with all of you on Rivers... he is not the problem as was evident yesterday... Norv is the problem and just because we won the AFC Worst division does not make him a good coach... Now I am hoping beyond hope that he can change... Maybe he will become a great coach and install the great offence that was promised... maybe he will play action pass on the first play of the game... maybe Cotrell will take the reins off the D and let loose... hey I said I am hopeing... We have two bad teams left to beat up on and get ready... we need the third seed so that we don't have to go to Patsie land so quick... Let someone else beat them up and then we will play them. At least that is what I hope and am asking Santa for Christmas for... Get healthy Bolts and kick some but... Can't wait until Christmas eve to watch you beat the donkeys.
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