Chargers QB Rivers doubtful

Jan 18, 2008 - 11:56 PM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- San Diego Chargers backup quarterback Billy Volek may be the man in charge of trying to deal the New England Patriots their first loss of the season.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is listed as doubtful for Sunday's AFC championship game against the unbeaten Patriots (17-0) due to partial torn ACL and sprained MCL in his right knee.

The team originally announced the injury as only a sprained MCL, but on Friday the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Rivers also has a partially torn ACL.

Rivers suffered the injuries on the final play of the third quarter while throwing a 56-yard touchdown pass in Sunday's 28-24 AFC divisional playoff win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Rivers practiced on a limited basis Friday, and is expected to test the knee on the field prior to kickoff.

If Rivers cannot go, Volek will get his first start in two years, and 11th in the last three seasons.

"It'll be day-to-day," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said. "We're going down the same road as (tight end Antonio) Gates.

Gates played Sunday after a pregame workout to test his dislocated big toe, but was largely ineffective. He missed Friday's practice and has been listed as doubtful.

"It always falls on the player," Smith said of Rivers. "The doctors and medical people do so much. The coach and general manager are on the outside. The ultimate decisions is the player's - unless he physically can't go or it will do harm for your future."

Volek relieved Rivers on Sunday and completed 3-of-4 passes for 48 yards. A seven-year veteran, Volek was acquired from Tennessee in September of 2006 for a sixth-round draft pick after a falling out with Titans coach Jeff Fisher.

The 30-year-old Volek has thrown for 3,515 yards with 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 30 games with Tennessee and San Diego.