San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers Shows Severity of Injury By Passing On Pro Bowl Invite
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers was chosen as a replacement player for the NFL Pro Bowl last week, and as a second alternate it was kind of a surprise that due to injuries and the Super Bowl his spot came up. Rivers could not make it to Arizona to play, however, as his back was much too injured from the season’s pounding he had taken to suit up for another game this season. Given the fact that the game has been known for years to practically be a glorified touch football contest, Rivers’ injury seems to be much worse than originally thought.
When asked after the season Rivers did not rule out surgery on his back, another indicator that the ailment he was dealing with for much of the season could affect him for the future as well. Recovering from back surgery is not a quick process and can take up to six months or longer to fully heal. That would put the start of training camp in jeopardy for Rivers. All of this comes while the team is quietly working on how to extend Rivers beyond 2015 to prevent him from becoming a free agent. This type of injury cannot bode well for their confidence in offering him a long-term deal.
While it remains to be seen what, if any, affect Rivers’ back injury will have on the Chargers’ immediate plans for 2015, his toughness and durability cannot be questioned. If there was a meaningful game to be played this past week, it’s a safe bet Rivers would have suited up. After all, he played in the AFC Championship game almost a decade ago with a completely torn ACL. The Pro Bowl isn’t in the same league as that type of contest, but Rivers’ competitiveness and fiery personality makes it doubtful he would have skipped the game without a very good reason. Charger fans everywhere are hoping they will see him back on the field healthy by the time preseason football begins in 2015.
Jonathan George is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jonageorge. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
2015 NFL Mock Draft: Chargers At No. 17
Who do the Chargers take at no. 17 in this updated mock draft series? Find out who and why here. Read More
5 Players Packers Must Release In 2015 Offseason
These are the five players the Green Bay Packers must release during the 2015 offseason. Read More
Making the Case for Cowboys' Murray as NFL MVP
Few pegged America's Team to be playing football late in the postseason this year. The Cowboys' running back thought otherwise and carried them to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Read More
5 Potential Cap Casualties for the Lions in 2015
The Detroit Lions need to try and re-sign Ndamukong Suh as well as add to a team that disappointed in the playoffs. Who might get cut in order to make some room? Read More
5 Best Years the Lions Could Have Made Super Bowl
The Detroit Lions have not appeared in the Super Bowl, but here were their five best chances to reach the big game throughout their history. Read More
Steelers Fans Interestingly Found ‘Most Profane’
In a finding sure to reaffirm stereotypes and pad out bar trivia across the country, Steelers fans have been found most guilty of dipping into the social media swear jar. But why? Read More
5 Best OT Options for Lions in 2015 NFL Draft
These five offensive tackle prospects are the ones that the Detroit Lions should target in the 2015 NFL Draft. See why here. Read More
Antonio Brown Deserves to Be Named AFC North OPOY
Another week, another accolade for another member of Pittsburgh’s Killer Bs. See exactly why Antonio Brown was the AFC North's best offensive player in 2014. Read More
5 Jaguars Who Will Be Released in 2015 Offseason
The Jacksonville Jaguars will end up releasing a surprising amount of good talent this offseason. Who's gone? Read More
Playoff Loss Blessing in Disguise for Steelers
Recent reports about the knee injury suffered by one of the league’s best backs suggest the Pittsburgh Steelers were lucky to lose in the wild-card round. Read More
5 Bengals Who Will Be Released in 2015 Offseason
The Cincinnati Bengals need to make a big move this offseason if they are ever going to become true contenders. They will need to move some vets to make them, though. Read More
Packers' Bostick Needs to Follow Slocum's Footstep
On Friday, the Packers showed special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum the door after labeling him the scapegoat for Green Bay's collapse. Brandon Bostick better be next. Read More