FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers returned to the practice field Friday and remained “optimistic” his sprained right knee would heal enough for him to play in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots.
Chargers coach Norv Turner took a more cautious approach. He listed Rivers as doubtful and said it would be a gametime decision Sunday.
“We want him to be able to move well enough to protect himself,” Turner said.
Rivers took about one-third of the snaps in practice. He was hurt last weekend in the 28-24 playoff victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, and backup Billy Volek led the winning touchdown drive.
“The way I felt Monday morning, I didn’t think I’d feel as good as I do right now,” Rivers said. “Certainly, it can ease my mind a bit.”
Under NFL rules for reporting injuries, someone listed as doubtful has a 25 percent chance of playing that week. Until Friday, teams were required to merely list whether a player practiced or not – Rivers did not work out Wednesday or Thursday.
Already a two-touchdown underdog against the perfect Patriots, the Chargers are banged up all over. Star running back LaDainian Tomlinson said he thought his hyperextended left knee would be OK for him to start, but tight end Antonio Gates’ status is still uncertain.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said San Diego’s injury problems were of little concern to him.
“We get ready for all 53 players every week,” he said. “We don’t have any control over that.”
Add A Comment
THIS IS NOT A GAMBLING SITE – If you think you have a gambling problem click here.
Disclaimer: This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Individual users are responsible for the laws regarding accessing gambling information from their jurisdictions. Many countries around the world prohibit gambling, please check the laws in your location. Any use of this information that may violate any federal, state, local or international law is strictly prohibited.
Copyright: The information contained on TheSpread.com website is protected by international copyright and may not be reproduced, or redistributed in any way without expressed written consent.
About: TheSpread.com is the largest sports betting news site in the United States. We provide point spread news, odds, statistics and information to over 175 countries around the world each year. Our coverage includes all North American College and Professional Sports as well as entertainment, political and proposition wagering news.
©1999-2023 TheSpread.com