Rivers Practices But Playing Status Listed as Doubtful

Quarterback Philip Rivers participated in portions of the San Diego Chargers' practice today but it remained unclear if he would be in the lineup for Sunday's AFC title game at New England.

Rivers, who hurt his right knee during last weekend's victory at Indianapolis, took some of the snaps during today's practice and said during a news conference he was optimistic about being able to play against the unbeaten Patriots. Coach Norv Turner said a decision would be made Sunday before the game.

The Chargers listed Rivers's playing status as doubtful on their official injury report. Backup Billy Volek would start if Rivers is unable to play.

"We want him to be able to move and protect himself," Turner said at a news conference.

Rivers suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament late in the third quarter of the Colts game and gave way to Volek, who finished the 28-24 triumph. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Rivers also suffered a partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligament. Rivers hurt his left knee during the regular season and would have played with braces on both if he'd returned to the lineup in Indianapolis.

Chargers tailback LaDainian Tomlinson has vowed to play Sunday after suffering what he called a hyperextended left knee during the Colts game. It's unclear if tight end Antonio Gates, who played in Indianapolis a week after suffering a sprained toe, will be in the lineup.

By Mark Maske |  January 18, 2008; 8:29 PM ET  | Category:  Chargers
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