Rivers, Gates active for Chargers

Jan 20, 2008 - 7:04 PM FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- Quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates will suit up Sunday when the San Diego Chargers visit the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game.

Both listed as doubtful on the Chargers' injury report, Rivers and Gates are expected to start against the undefeated Patriots.

Rivers has a sprained right MCL, an injury he suffered last Sunday in a 28-24 divisional playoff win over the Indianapolis Colts. He was forced to leave the game after throwing a 56-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the third quarter.

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

Gates has been battling a dislocated big toe, an injury which limited him considerably in the victory over the Colts. The Pro Bowl tight end suffered the injury two weeks ago in San Diego's wild card win over the Tennessee Titans.