Chargers QB Rivers, RB Tomlinson leave game against Colts

Chargers QB Rivers, RB Tomlinson leave game against Colts

The Chargers topped the Colts, 28-24, in Sunday's AFC Divisional playoff matchup, despite losing quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson, and playing much of the game without tight end Antonio Gates.

Tomlinson left in the second quarter with a left leg injury. Tomlinson was injured at the end of an eight-yard gain deep in Indy territory. He fumbled forward on the play, but the Chargers recovered and Philip Rivers threw a 14- yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson on the next play.

Tomlinson finished with 28 yards on seven carries, and was relieved by Michael Turner, who rushed 17 times for 71 yards.

Rivers suffered a right knee injury after throwing a screen pass to Darren Sproles that the back turned into a 56-yard score on the last play of the third quarter. The QB landed awkwardly on his right foot, and limped off the field and to the locker room.

Rivers finished with 264 yards on 14-of-19 passing with three scores and an interception. Career backup Billy Volek relieved Rivers, completing 3-of-4 passes for 48 yards, and his one-yard touchdown run with 4:50 remaining was the eventual game-winner.

Both Rivers and Tomlinson stood on the sidelines as Volek led the Chargers to the win, and both indicated after the game that they expect to play next Sunday, when the Chargers travel to New England to take on the 17-0 Patriots for a spot in Super Bowl XLII.

Gates was limited due to a dislocated big left toe that he suffered in San Diego's win over Tennessee in the first round of the playoffs. He finished with only two catches for 28 yards.

Indianapolis also suffered two injuries during the contest, as running back Joseph Addai and safety Bob Sanders both left at points; Addai with a head injury and Sanders with a shoulder injury. Both returned to action.

source: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/