L.T. Practices for Chargers, Rivers Doesn't

Tailback LaDainian Tomlinson participated in the San Diego Chargers' practice Thursday and seemingly is on course to make good on his vow to play in Sunday's AFC championship game against the unbeaten New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass.

But quarterback Philip Rivers missed practice for a second straight day, leaving his status in doubt.

Tomlinson and Rivers suffered knee injuries during last Sunday's victory at Indianapolis in an AFC semifinal, leaving backups like quarterback Billy Volek and tailbacks Michael Turner and Darren Sproles to finish the game.

Tomlinson said after undergoing an MRI exam Monday that he'd suffered only a hyperextended left knee and he was certain he would play at New England. He sat out Wednesday's practice but was back to work Thursday.

Rivers suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee during the Colts game, according to the Chargers. He hurt his left knee during the regular season. The quarterback said Sunday he'd been prepared to return to the game in Indianapolis but Volek was engineering the game-winning touchdown drive by then.

Coach Norv Turner told reporters Thursday he remained hopeful that Rivers would practice today and play Sunday.

Tight end Antonio Gates sat out Thursday's practice. He played in Indianapolis after not practicing all last week because of a sprained toe.

By Mark Maske |  January 18, 2008; 9:11 AM ET  | Category:  Chargers
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