Status of Rivers still up in the air
By: MIKE SULLIVAN - North County Times | ∞
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers remains a game-time decision for today's AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
Rivers sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during last Sunday's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He is officially listed as doubtful for today's contest.
"Rivers is our starter unless they determine before the game that he shouldn't (play)," a team official said Saturday.
There was a published report that Rivers also has a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but Rivers said that report isn't true.
Rivers said he plans to test the knee prior to the game to see how it feels.
If Rivers can't play, Billy Volek will make the first postseason start of his eight-year career. Volek has started just 10 regular-season games.
Volek played the fourth quarter against Indianapolis after Rivers was hurt and drove the Chargers 78 yards for the game-winning score. Volek scored the winning touchdown with a 1-yard quarterback sneak.
Tight end Antonio Gates (dislocated toe) also is doubtful for the contest. Gates will test the injury in warmups just as he did last week before it was determined he could play.
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (hyperextended left knee) will play
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Jimbo wrote on Jan 20, 2008 6:06 AM:Rivers is a punk and a rabbit ears crybaby. The Chargers don't need him today. Volek will do just as well. The Chargers need a defense today to have a chance to win.
murrieta resident wrote on Jan 20, 2008 8:39 AM:I agree with JIMBO. The CHARGERS TEAM has carried Rivers not vice-versa and his cocky little attitude lately makes me sick. I'd like to see Volek in there too then maybe Rivers would see this is a TEAM and it's not all about him.
J wrote on Jan 20, 2008 8:40 AM:If Rivers can't play, they can do it still if they do what they did last week. But, Rivers has personality- he has energy. Stop bagging on him! He gets the team fired up to win.
Jose wrote on Jan 20, 2008 4:22 PM:I'm coming back via the time machine to tell Norv not to play Rivers...he'll give the game away. Play Billy V he can do the job better! Also, Norv don't go for the field goals and go for it on 4th down in the 4th quarter. Oh well, maybe this will fall on deaf ears...afterall the past is the past...lol
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