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Rivers goes under knife
By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer
Initial prognosis on ACL portends 4-6 month rehab | ∞
SAN DIEGO -- Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Initial forecasts are for a rehabilitation period of four to six months. Only time will tell whether that's a realistic recovery timetable.
The surgery was performed by Dr. David Chao. Coach Norv Turner said that trainer James Collins told him that the surgery went well.
"The doctors said they were extremely pleased with what they did with the surgery and they felt it will be a very speedy recovery," Turner said.
As for the timetable, Turner called it a "fair" estimate.
"That's realistic," Turner said. "But they know Philip's work ethic and they know how he is and they're putting that timeframe that they would put on anyone. But they know that could be speeded up."
Rivers injured the knee during the Jan. 13 playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The team initially described his injury as a sprained medial collateral ligament but it was later revealed that the ACL was torn.
Rivers first underwent an operation two days after the injury, a procedure designed to give him a chance at playing in last Sunday's AFC Championship Game at New England.
He played the entire game against the Patriots, passing for 211 yards while being intercepted twice.
The Chargers lost the contest 21-12, settling for four field goals.
Team president Dean Spanos was impressed with how Rivers fared while playing on a bum knee that undoubtedly would have sidelined a lesser competitor.
"I thought Philip played pretty good," Spanos said. "I think he did a great job during the game. You would have to ask Philip if he thought his ACL injury or his knee injury had any impact on his ability to play during the game.
"But I'm glad he was in there and I thought he did a great job."
Rivers said after the game that the injury was not a factor against the Patriots. Numerous teammates praised him for playing through the pain and Turner also complimented him.
Spanos added to the praise on Wednesday.
"Amongst his teammates, I don't think it surprised any of them that he was out there playing," Spanos said. "That's the kind of person he is."
A six-month recovery period would prompt a return around the time training camp begins.
Backup quarterback Billy Volek is a free agent and Charlie Whitehurst is the team's third-string quarterback.
Turner said the organization will wait to see what transpires with Volek's situation before any decision to pursue another quarterback is made.
-- Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.
Volek wrote on Jan 24, 2008 7:26 AM:should leave SD as Rivers ego, even when hurt, will never allow Billy to play and Turner is an idiot. Rivers needs a personality transplant.
BoltDan wrote on Jan 24, 2008 8:11 AM:Charlie Whitehurst is ready to go as back up to PR if he goes down again... as a matter of fact I believe he is better then Volek. Now if we can only get Norv to unleash the playbook and be hat genius he was suppose to be!
to NorvTurner wrote on Jan 24, 2008 9:14 AM:Why would you let rivers play under those circumstances. He might not ever be the same again. This could end up being one of the worse decisions the Chargers have ever made, along with keeping LT, the crybaby.
Billy wrote on Jan 24, 2008 10:10 AM:Volek,
Rivers is the man, there is nothing wrong with his ego. He's fiesty....get over it! Volek is a career backup...period. If you think he is better then ou follow him to whever he goes. The Chargers don't need fans like you!!!!!!!
Jaque wrote on Jan 24, 2008 11:22 AM:Joiner is the new recievers coach.
Karl wrote on Jan 24, 2008 11:44 AM:Good riddance bandwagoneers.
james wrote on Jan 24, 2008 11:57 AM:For those who bash LT and PR, you should just leave SD you back-stabb[ers]... They have done so much for the chargers, I am ashamed to see fans (bandwagon fans) like you in this area.
surgery wrote on Jan 24, 2008 12:16 PM:can they do something about PR's mouth while they're at it?
Jose wrote on Jan 24, 2008 1:01 PM:In all honesty, only time will tell if allowing Rivers to play on that injured knee was a wise choice on Norv's part. We've got the W-H-O-L-E off season to find out!
Regardless of how I feel aboout you, get well Rivers and prove to those of us who really don't think you're the go to QB wrong and prove you're the man on this franchise.
Jim wrote on Jan 24, 2008 1:38 PM:Kudos to LT for making the right decision not to play if he couldn't explode into the gap. If we didn't have MT or Sproles backing him up, ok he should play. But they gained 100 plus yards on probably the best team of the last 20 years. LT called it right.
Kudos to Philip Rivers for playing. Volek is not as good a back up, and one good drive the week before doesn't prove he can handle the job. Philip did a good job in that game and will be fine. I've had the surgery he's having. If his Dr is good (I imagine that the QB of the Chargers will get a good one), and if he follows his recover regimen, he'll be fine. There's no real loss of mobility if you do what they tell you.
As far as his mouth... I remember going to games when a certain QB named FOUTS used to get into it with the refs, and would jaw with his team mates on the sidelines. Also - wasn't he the same Dan Fouts that compared himself to the current NFL King of QBs Terry Bradshaw in the courtroom saying he was just as good, when he was in his second year? I like a QB that's passionate. Talk smack all you want PR, talk smack and back it up next year.
Jimbo wrote on Jan 25, 2008 7:58 PM:Getting into it with the Refs and other players is one thing, doing it with the fans is another....called Rabbit ears. If Volek had played, we'd be in the Super Bowl.
LT is only in it for the money! wrote on Jan 27, 2008 5:56 AM:IS IT TRUE HE PLAYING THE PRO BOWL?????? WHAT (edit: "a jerk")!
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