Phillip Rivers had surgery prior to AFC Championship Game

[hagansp]

SAN DIEGO -- Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said Monday that he had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee a week ago in order to play in the AFC Championship Game, and that he'll need surgery on the torn anterior cruciate ligament in the same joint.

Rivers made it through Sunday's 21-12 loss to the perfect New England Patriots despite the damage to his knee, which he sustained in an upset win over the Indianapolis Colts a week earlier.

Rivers said he'd like to have surgery as soon as possible on the torn ACL.

"It's gone," he said. "I don't know exactly the details on that. I'll be ready by training camp."

Rivers said he had arthroscopic surgery a week earlier to clean out damaged cartilage.

"It wasn't real extensive, but I mean, really that was the only way I would have had a chance to play by doing that on Monday," he said. "I thought maybe I could come back in the Colts game but it was catching. That's what we did on Monday to give me the chance to play on Sunday."

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson said he's not going to need surgery on the sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, which he originally hurt in the Indianapolis game.

Tomlinson carried only twice Sunday, both in the game's first drive, and caught a short screen pass the following series before retiring to the sideline for good.

Tomlinson said he'll probably sit out the Pro Bowl.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

[hagansp]

ya know, i really disliked Phillip before the game vs Indy...and after watching him in that game and yesterdays game vs New England and now hearing this...the guy is a total gamer.

I have a ton of respect for him to be willing to do this and put his body on the line...

[htwheelz01]

Yeah he is showing that he can be pretty tuff.

[thenyrkid]

Agreed Rivers has heart and oddly this makes LT seem like a chump.

[protegeV]

an immobile QB can contribute, an immobile HB cannot contribute. Sitting was the right thing for LT to do, and I believe more unselfish than trying to play hurt would have been.

[hagansp]

i understand it wasn't LT's call...the coaches and trainers held him out

[dakota343]

Man I really dislike Rivers (all the complaining, taunting fans, and yelling at other quarterbacks) but I have to say I have some new respect for him now. If nothing else he is at least tough and a football player. Can't say I like him but I do respect his toughness.

I do not blame LT either. Its a lot different for a RB to have a bumb knee than an already immobile QB. Gotta wonder what's up with NOrv Turners injury reports though. LT isn't even on the report and he plays 2 plays. Rivers is doubtful and plays whole game?

[mikesilvia]

I would rather not have LT in this game and have him around another 7 more years. People who complain about LT have never strained their ACL. I have and it takes a long time to heal. Would we rather have LT tear the ACL? Then he can get derailed. The Chargers will be in the playoffs for the next 3 years at least. They are a long team and their is no reason to go to the Super Bowl if you have to sacrifice your future.

[dakota343]

It's not like Turner and Sproles are a couple of chumps either. LT is by far better but Chargers have depth. Turner could be a starter on most teams (and may next year). A 100% Turner is better than a 25% LT.

The thing I didn't like though was how he sat there the whole game with his helmet on instead of supporting his team. I understand he was probably ticked off to be out but was he disgruntled? At least he could have been contributing by cheering or helping the backups out with advice.