Fri Jan 18 20:18:35 2008

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Chargers' Rivers also has partially torn ACL; now doubtful for Sunday

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San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers' knee injury is apparently more serious than previously thought, and he is now listed as doubtful for Sunday's AFC Championship Game with the New England Patriots.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, sources close to the team said that Rivers has a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in addition to the previously diagnosed sprained medial collateral ligament. Despite that, Rivers did practice Friday, and will determine Sunday morning whether he is capable of playing against the undefeated Patriots.

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is also listed as doubtful for Sunday, though he attempted to play on his dislocated big toe in last Sunday's 28-24 win over the Colts.

Both Gates and Rivers are being looked at as day-to-day decisions. Gates and defensive tackle Jamal Williams, who is questionable with an ankle injury, did not practice Friday.

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson - coming off his own knee injury - did participate for the second consecutive day, and will likely be in the Chargers' starting backfield against the Patriots.

Rivers has played in each of the last six games with the sprained MCL, though he left the win over the Colts late in the third quarter after aggravating the injury. He wore a brace on his knee during practice Friday morning, and could be limited because of the further damage should he play Sunday.

For New England, Rodney Harrison sat out of practice Friday as he continued to nurse a thigh injury, though he is listed as probable for Sunday.