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UPDATE: It appears our fears may have been warranted:
Chargers QB Philip Rivers, who missed practice Wednesday, is battling a back injury that is bigger than people realize, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2014
Marty Caswell of the Mighty 1090 was at the San Diego Chargers open practice this morning and she reported that Philip Rivers was nowhere to be seen.
Hmm. No sign of Philip Rivers yet
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) December 17, 2014
Shockingly, neither the usually chatty Mike McCoy nor other team officials were forthcoming with an explanation as to why.
No comment from Chargers officials on why Philip Rivers isn't practicing
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) December 17, 2014
Hours later, though, Rivers appeared and Bernie Wilson of the AP was able to get his comments.
Rivers: "I hate not practicing but at some point you've got to do what's best for me and the team. (cont.) #chargers.
— Bernie Wilson (@berniewilson) December 17, 2014
More Rivers: "Practicing today just wouldn't have been beneficial moving toward Saturday.'' That says a lot. #chargers.
— Bernie Wilson (@berniewilson) December 17, 2014
Rivers' comments coupled with the return of Brad Sorensen and the fact that the team is all but mathematically eliminated call into question whether or not we will see Rivers on the field Saturday.