Philip Rivers Injury: Updates on Chargers Star's Chest, Back and Recovery

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers battled chest and back injuries but didn't miss a game to end the season. Although he did not play in the Pro Bowl on Jan. 25 as a result of the injuries, he won't need to undergo back surgery.

Continue for updates.

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Rivers Won't Need Back Surgery

Tuesday, Feb. 10

ESPN's Eric D. Williams provided a statement from Rivers stating he won't need to undergo surgery during an appearance on KGB FM radio in San Diego on Monday

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At this point, the back injury is not requiring surgery. 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. Me and my wife played a little tennis the other day. I've hit the golf ball a few times, so I'm actually on the up and up. So I'm pretty excited.

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On Dec. 30, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego provided a synopsis of Rivers discussing the possibility of surgery:

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The Chargers quarterback remained politely protective over the specifics of a back injury that has ailed him the past month. Offseason surgery, he allowed, is considered an option. Whether it is necessary will be determined in the coming weeks.

As for further details, Rivers didn't go there.

He called such talk 'self-serving,' not wanting health to affect how his play is evaluated.

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On Dec. 21, ESPN's Chris Mortensen first reported Rivers may need to undergo surgery following the season:

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Team sources tell ESPN that Rivers is playing with a bulging disk in his lower back that doctors fear is on the brink of being herniated.

The disk caused Rivers to miss practice Wednesday for the first time since 2007 even though the injury began to bother him some three weeks ago.

Rivers has taken epidural injections to reduce swelling, according to sources. He hopes to avoid offseason surgery, but it is an option, according to sources. 

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Rivers Opts Out of Pro Bowl

Monday, Jan. 19

"Like Peyton Manning, Chargers QB Philip Rivers will not play in Pro Bowl. Rivers is recovering from a back injury," reported ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Manning pulled out of the event yesterday due to injury.

Darin Gantt of ProFootballTalk.com noted Manning and Rivers are not the only players to remove themselves from the star-studded event:

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Tom Brady’s out, after last night’s win. Manning and Ben Roethlisberger pulled out because of injuries, allowing first alternate Drew Brees to take one spot. Rivers as the second alternate was next in line. With third alternate Russell Wilson out because he’s busy, that left fourth alternate Matthew Stafford.

Colts Andrew Luck and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo might be the only two of the original six picked at the position to play, since Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the calf injury which would give him an easy out.

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Rivers Active for Week 17

Sunday, Dec. 28

BJ Kissel of KCChiefs.com listed San Diego's official inactives for Sunday's game, and Rivers is set to play.

On Dec. 23, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego reports some positive news on Rivers' status:

Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego provided more details:

Rivers as also active for Week 16.

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Rivers Injuries More Severe Than Thought

Thursday, Dec. 18

ESPN.com has an update on Rivers' status:

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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who missed practice Wednesday, is battling a back injury that is more severe than the team has acknowledged, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

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The report also noted that the injury contributed to Rivers' recent struggles:

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The injury has contributed to Rivers' pedestrian performances the past two weeks, against New England and Denver.

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Rivers Dealing With Chest, Back Injuries

 Wednesday, Dec. 17 

The San Diego Chargers are looking to make a run in the ultra-competitive AFC playoff race. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Rivers is battling a chest and back injury:

Rapoport weighed in on Rivers' injury and spoke about the quarterback's toughness: