Chargers C Nick Hardwick (concussion) might miss the week 16 game at Tampa Bay.  "Again, we know with the head injuries we'll be super careful. Everything was very positive in terms of where he is right now," said Norv Turner. 

Philip Rivers completed 10 passes 214 yards and 3 TDs in the 34-7 drubbing of Oakland. He also added 19 yards on the ground. Rivers' main target was WR Vincent Jackson, who caught 5 balls for 148 yards and a TD. The 148 was a career-high for Jackson. Rivers enjoyed a clean pocket (0 sacks) and could have launched bombs all night if the game dictated more passing. His deep ball is one of the best in the NFL. He reminded us of Chargers QB Jack Kemp when he threw 3 TDs in a 41-17 blowout win over Oakland in 1960. Okay, okay, we actually weren't even born then... but isn't Google great? Rivers is up to 3,169 passing yards with 3 games left. He has a career-high 26 TD passes and leads the AFC with 8.36 yards per attempt. Only Tony Romo has a better QB rating that Rivers' 102.0. Start Rivers with confidence next week at KC if the weather is good.   

The weather forecast 2 hours before London kickoff is 55 degrees, 30% chance of light rain, winds from W 9 mph.

Chargers left tackle Marcus McNeill (neck) is out again in week 2.  Veteran tackle L.J. Shelton is filling in. We didn't notice Shelton last week, which is actually a good thing. That means he wasn't getting beat.

Chargers LT Marcus McNeill has been nursing a sore neck (stinger) and hasn't played in the preseason. There are rumors that he won't be ready for Week 1 but we aren't buying it.  Even if McNeill has to sit out an extra week, veteran L.J. Shelton has been filling in admirably.

The Union Tribune reports Chargers QB Philip Rivers underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair his torn ACL in his right knee. In fact, Rivers actually had "secret arthroscopic surgery" last week, the Monday before the AFC title game, to clean loose cartilage so he could limp out there and play.  Gutsy, old-school stuff.  We love it.  However, his ACL rehab will be an issue to monitor this summer.  

The Union Tribune reports: "Philip Rivers had the patella tendon in his right knee removed and then attached in place of his ACL. Rivers said he should be walking by the end of the week. His rehabilitation is expected to take six months, but he and others in the organization have expressed optimism it can be quicker... In 2006, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer had his ACL replaced Jan. 10 and participated fully in training camp that year. Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie had ACL replacement in July 2005 and six months later was running in the NFL scouting combine and a month after that ran a 4.38 40-yard dash in a workout for NFL personnel people."

Philip Rivers suffered what is being called a "damaged right knee" vs. the Colts and is listed as day-to-day. The San Diego media seems to think that LaDainian Tomlinson (hyperextended knee) has a better chance of playing at New England than Rivers. Rivers deserves a lot of credit for his performance in the win over Indy: In 3 quarters he hit 14-of-19 passes for 264 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. His passes weren't wobbling either, like they often were late in the regular season.

ESPN's Bob Holtzman reports Chargers QB Philip Rivers (partially torn ACL) expects to start against the Patriots. He is listed as doubtful, though the coaches will let him warm up and try to convince them he's ready.

Chargers HC Norv Turner said at 3:00 PM EST that Antonio Gates (toe) and Philip Rivers (knee) are going to be listed as doubtful. Rivers' ACL is "partially torn" according to Turner. Billy Volek will almost surely start though Turner did not say it.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers (knee) will start on Monday night vs. Denver per HC Norv Turner. Rivers, along with some of the Chargers' other key players, are likely to rest at some point in the game, though.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions. Rivers took about half of the first team snaps on Friday, while backup QB Billy Volek took the rest. â??I thought [Rivers] was better,â? [HC Norv] Turner said. â??I think he went faster today. I donâ??t think he went full speed yesterday.â? He'll be a game-time decision.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers is active today and will start against the Lions.

Philip Rivers left the game early in the 2nd quarter with an apparent left knee injury. Billy Volek finished the half and then Rivers returned to start the 2nd half.

The Union-Tribune reports Chargers QB Philip Rivers might have suffered a partially-torn MCL in the win over Tennessee. Rivers originally left in the 2nd quarter then was able to return in the 3rd quarter, limping visibly on that heroic 14-play drive to force overtime. He finished with 228 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs in a stunning overtime win. If Rivers tore that MCL even slightly he'll miss this Sunday's game vs. Detroit. Billy Volek would start.

Philip Rivers took some reps Wednesday despite a painful knee injury that knocked him out for two series at Tennessee. "It was pretty sore this morning, but it shouldn't be anything I can't manage and get better during the week," Rivers said Monday. It's rumored to be a slightly torn MCL but he can wear a brace and get through it.

Chargers Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick injured his right foot vs. Oakland and was replaced by Cory Withrow. Hardwick was on crutches and in a boot afterwards. "We know what it is, but I can't tell you," Hardwick said. "Let's just say with the bye coming up [this Sunday] we steal one week there."

One of the best lines in football the last few years, this group continues to blow defenders up despite three different O-line coaches in four years. They've paved the way for L.T. & Co. to rush for over 2,000 yards in each of the last four seasons, tying Denver for the longest active streak. The Chargers struck gold in the 2nd round last year when they drafted LT Marcus McNeill. He started every game and many felt the 6'7/338-lb McNeill should have won Rookie of the Year. RT Shane Olivea and RG Mike Goff never get any credit but they consistently beat people up in the 4th quarter. C Nick Hardwick is entering his 4th season and has become a durable, quality leader. His presence will allow Philip Rivers to grow into a superstar. LG Kris Dielman tested free agency and got re-signed to a 6-year deal for $39 million. Too much for a good-but-not-elite lineman, but then again, San Diego had the cap room. They've seen what happens when you keep 5 guys intact for a few years (read: Colts, Bengals, Steelers) so keeping Dielman was the right move. Reserve C/G Cory Withrow is a gutsy player. Reserve T Cory Lekkerkerker has upside, but T Roman Oben is losing his skills due to age/injuries. Depth is a concern. We were shocked the Chargers didn't draft an offensive lineman. They took TE Scott Chandler in the 4th round, passing G Josh Beekman (Boston College) right to Chicago one pick later. One scout told us Beekman "will be a fixture for the Bears one day." Overall you won't find a better group of 5 guys but if injuries hit San Diego all bets are off.

The San Diego Chargers re-signed OG Kris Dielman to a 6-year, $39 million contract. Philip Rivers just danced a jig in his living room.

USA Today reports: "The San Diego Chargers have all five starting offensive linemen signed through at least 2008." Cincinnati also boasted this kind of O-line continuity from 2003-2006 (until losing G Eric Steinbach this offseason) and they've had a top-10 offense three years in a row.