San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers avoids offseason back surgery

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will avoid surgery on the bulging disk that hampered the latter part of his 2014 season.

"You know, I'm better. At this point, the back injury is not requiring surgery," Rivers told KGB-FM radio. "We'll kind of revisit it in a month or so. But everything is improving. I'm back to my regular workouts and running around... I'm actually on the up and up. So I'm pretty excited."

The bulging disk was a significant injury, to the point that it was reported Rivers almost ended his season in December. Rivers' latter season struggles are certainly seen in a different light given the severity of his injury, and Chargers fans have to be encouraged that it isn't expected he'll need to go under the knife to heal in time for offseason camps.

Rivers may also be due for a contract extension this offseason since his current deal is up after the 2015 season. It should be easier for Tom Telesco and co. to move forward with an offer knowing that their quarterback won't require surgery.