When Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers missed practice this week, it sent a ripple of panic through the Bolts’ fan base.
What if he can’t play in Saturday night’s critical game against the San Francisco 49ers? Can you remember the last time he wasn’t out there? Do we even have a backup?
Before we get any further, let’s get one thing out of the way: It looks like quarterback Rivers is going to suit up on Saturday night. Just like he has all season, every season since 2006.
That’s 142 straight starts, tied for the second-longest current streak in the NFL.
This is as good a time as any to take a minute to contemplate what that means. In a league where it’s hard for anyone to get through a season without some sort of injury banging them up for at least a few weeks, Rivers has been a rock.
Ever since taking over the starting job from Drew Brees, he has been there. Say what you will about Rivers’ play on the field, but you can’t question his toughness or drive.
“I hate not practicing,” Rivers said. “But I think at some point you’ve got to do what’s best for me and the team.”
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About that missed practice, it’s his first since 2007. Do you know how many players miss practice each day? At this point in the season, a lot of guys don’t even bother with more than a brief walk-through, saving their strength for Sundays.
There have been rumblings for much of the second half of the season that Rivers is not close to fully healthy. Tight end Antonio Gates even let a little too much slip after a win over the Oakland Raiders last month.
"For those who don't know, he's been dealing with a rib injury," Gates said after the Nov. 16 game. "A very severe rib injury, so he's been toughing it out these last three, four weeks."
Rivers won’t divulge how much he’s been hurting, only saying that everyone is banged up this time of year. And the coaches seem to have his back.
"Sometimes you have to use discretion and get a little rest,” offensive coordinator Frank Reich said. “Just give yourself the best chance to be the strongest you can be for when it really matters most.”
Both Rivers and McCoy said he would be "ready to roll" on Saturday, so Bolts fans don't need to prepare for the worst just yet.
In case you didn't know, the backup is Kellen Clemens, a career backup who has completed one pass this season. He did win four games filling in for an injured Sam Bradford in St. Louis last year. Here’s hoping he won’t be called upon to do that again this season.
