L.T.'s likely to play; Rivers, Gates in doubt
By: SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer
Chargers' injury report is long after Indianapolis win | ∞
Philip Rivers
SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers' training staff has a busy week ahead, after a divisional playoff win over the Indianapolis Colts added to an injury list that was already both long and distinguished.
At his weekly press conference Monday, Chargers head coach Norv Turner discussed injuries to running back LaDainian Tomlinson (knee), quarterback Philip Rivers (knee), cornerback Antonio Cromartie (knee), defensive tackle Jamal Williams (ankle), fullback Lorenzo Neal (fibula), tight end Antonio Gates (toe) and defensive end Luis Castillo (ribs).
Though Turner said many of the hobbled Chargers -- Tomlinson among them -- should be able to return in time for Sunday's AFC Championship Game, the prognosis for Rivers was less optimistic.
An MRI confirmed what Chargers physicians originally thought, that Rivers strained his medial collateral ligament against the Colts on Sunday. He sat out the fourth quarter of that game and might miss this Sunday's contest as well.
"I doubt he'll practice early in the week, and hopefully (he'll) be limited in practice late in the week," Turner said. "Right now, it's questionable in terms of playing in the game, but he's got a chance. That'll be a day-to-day thing, and we'll monitor it as the week goes on."
Backup Billy Volek, who led the Chargers to the go-ahead touchdown against Indianapolis, will take most of the reps in practice while Rivers is sidelined.
Turner likened Rivers' status to that of Antonio Gates, who did not practice last week but played at Indianapolis after testing himself in pregame warmups.
Gates will go through a similar routine this week. The star tight end was in significant pain right after the Colts matchup and likely won't practice any time soon because of a dislocated big toe on his left foot.
"He's sore, and it's swollen, but it's no worse than it was last week," Turner said. "We're on the same schedule, and I would think it would be a late-in-the-week (decision) or Sunday when he goes and warms up again. We'll see how he feels. If he feels like he can go, I know he wants to go."
Tomlinson's MRI showed no structural damage, meaning the left knee injury he sustained in the first half against the Colts was just a hyperextension.
"It's doing all right; (it's) just a little sore today," Tomlinson said. "... I think they've got me listed as questionable, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to play."
Turner was noncommittal about Williams and said his ankle must be continually monitored, but that Cromartie, Neal and Castillo should be ready to play.
While the outlook for many injured players is relatively positive, playing the 17-0 Patriots without a clean bill of health worries Turner considerably. That means the pressure on the training staff should be immense this week.
"I'm real concerned." Turner said. "We're lucky to have players like Michael Turner and Darren Sproles who can fill in for injured starters, but you can only withstand so many hits. We're getting ready to play the best team in the National Football League, so we need to rally the troops and get everyone as healthy as we can be.
"We want to be at our best. My hope is that we haven't played our best game yet. That's what we're trying to get done this week."
-- Contact staff writer Scott Bair at (760) 739-6642 or sbair@nctimes.com
Chargers injury report
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB
Injury: Hyperextended left knee
Prognosis: An MRI revealed no structural damage. Tomlinson should play on Sunday.
Antonio Gates, TE
Injury: Dislocated left big toe
Prognosis: Gates' status hasn't changed from the week before. He likely won't practice and playing will be a game-time decision.
Philip Rivers, QB
Injury: Strained right medial collateral ligament
Prognosis: Rivers won't practice early in the week, but might have limited participation later on. His prospect of playing will be determined later in the week.
* The Chargers official injury report for Sunday's AFC Championship Game at New England won't come out until Wednesday. This is the player's expected status according to information from Monday's Chargers press conference.
-- Scott Bair
Sunday's forecast for Boston: Partly cloudy
High: 15 degrees
Low: 8 degrees
Change of precipitation: 10 percent
--- Weather.com
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Move On wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:23 AM:Hopefully Turner doesn't wait until Sunday to determine if Rivers is healthy enough to start. Let Volek get his reps this week and prepare for BV to start. It will be a big plus to have a QB that can move around rather than leaving Rivers in the pocket, unable to move due to two bad knees.
BoltDan wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:45 AM:C'mon let's see some rowdy snowstorm on the Patsy field... then the team would have to run the ball. I will take our run game vs theirs anytime. Let's go BOLTS beat the Patsies.
Karl wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:52 AM:Are you serious "Move On"? I know that Rivers has had his ups and downs this year but we are 8-0 with him in the last 8 games. BV did a great job last week getting a save but I think Rivers has the hot hand now gimpy or not.
To Karl wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:02 AM:Read before you respond! I wasn't knocking Rivers' performance - particularly the past two weeks. I was making a point - obviously lost on you - that if he is even more immobile than usual, what with two injured knees, then it may be best to allow Volek to start, allowing the Chargers to have a QB that can move around. Get it Karl?
about Volek wrote on Jan 15, 2008 12:37 PM:I don't know about Volek. Is he good enough to handle guys like Asante Samuel? I'm so nervous about this game. Hey maybe Rivers will me more accurate. After all, he's very accurate with his feet set and the o-line will hopefully keep the D off him long enough. Who knows? All I know is we need a championship, Pats had theirs many times, same with the Packers and Giants.
Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 15, 2008 12:43 PM:I have to admit I would be apprehensive of starting Rivers if he sits out all week. But then he had a career game going last week. And, BV is an unknown commodity. It will be fun, no matter who starts. No pressure Chargers, the sports world has already written us off. Let's just have some fun and maybe spoil another party!
Big Mouth Rivers wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:41 PM:I hope Rivers is out! I would love for Volek to start and lead the chargers to a win. Rivers needs to shut his big mouth, and just play the game. That punk has not earned anything to flap his mouth like he does. If you notice, the good QB's in the league let the wins speak for themselves......
Sack time! wrote on Jan 15, 2008 3:47 PM:The QB for the Chargers will get sacked hundered times and there will be a slaughter!
Sam wrote on Jan 15, 2008 3:59 PM:Is that right Big Mouth River? I guess you haven't seen Brady confront other players...talk trash...or Favre? So he talks to some fans with a little sarcastic humor...I'm guessing your another one of those "I've never played before but I know everything about football!"
What needs to happen is you need to keep YOUR big mouth shut and go back to your figure skating!
Jimbo wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:30 PM:It's all about defense now. Rivers doesn't matter much. We can put points on the board without LT. That's how good our OL is playing. If our defense can shut down the Pats...the Chargers have a very good chance to win.
LT Talks about his un controlable crying! wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:39 PM:By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY
CARSON, Calif. — It's not every day you walk into the testosterone-heavy world of an NFL locker room — with its super egos, muscle mania and gut checks — and find a man willing to talk about crying.
DOES HE WET THE BED TOO? HA HA HA! Go PATS! THIS ARTICLE WAS TOO GOOD! GIMME A BREAK!
Stop Crying LT… You’re Embarrassing Yourself wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:50 PM:CRY BABY CRY!!!!!!!!
RandyR wrote on Jan 15, 2008 6:36 PM:Congrat's Charger country...you played a real team and you won. Do I sound surprised....but of course. :) You folks have reason to celebrate...if but only for a week. :)
an old pat fan wrote on Jan 15, 2008 7:58 PM:The chargers have no chance to win ,no defence has stopped them all season what makes you think they can, and by the way the forecast for game time 8 degree,s hows that on your soft chargers
WE CAN WIN & I THINK WE WILL wrote on Jan 15, 2008 9:32 PM:Forecast Is breezy w/ tempetures in the 20s w/30% chance of snow & agood chance of a few LIGHTNING STRIKES courtesy of LT,Jackson,Chambers,Sproles,Turner,Gates,MERRIMAN,CROMARTIE,PHILLIPS,CASTILLO,OLSHANSKY,JAMMER,HART,MCCREE,WILLIAMS & A FEW OTHERS.
brady12 wrote on Jan 15, 2008 9:54 PM:ive been told you chargers gave us the game last time..come on do us a favor and give it to us again...
BoltDan wrote on Jan 16, 2008 9:38 AM:Why do others keep bringing up our schedule??? who have the Patsies played??? They are in the weakest division in the league... C'mon... It will be a good game and we will pull the upset... Patsies already looking ahead to AZ... They think they have won already. GOOD!!! that means some hotels will open up in AZ after the BOLTS WIN SUNDAY... 28-14 BOLTS BABBY!!!
Patrick wrote on Jan 16, 2008 9:53 AM:I don't believe these injury reports any more than Bellicheat does. All Chargers will be starting this game. Rivers et al. will have the entire off season to rehab. It is all or nothing when you are this close to the Super Bowl.
Peter wrote on Jan 16, 2008 2:29 PM:To all the know-it-all fans out thre......TO ....now that was cryin...LT just has a soft mannerism about himself....and after meeting him I can see why people might think that he is like that...get a clue armchairs....know the man before you know your mouth is spewing garbage.......and stick to the New England papers... we( native San Diegans) dont want you here..living or spewing your trash.....Bolts in an upset!....28-27..oh, sooooo close!
old pat fan wrote on Jan 16, 2008 3:17 PM:Charger fans you have 4 1/2 more days to fantasize
Santa70 wrote on Jan 17, 2008 12:47 PM:The key here is SD's defense. If daBolts can can force Brady to nibble away underneath, anything can happen. Nobody believed Manning could be shut down, but the Colts were pathetic in the red zone. All despite the home field and some horrendous calls. Excluding the now forgotten early season loss, SD can cause as much trouble for NE as IND. You can probably smell trouble for SD, if it turns into a point scoring contest
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