San Diego's Rivers known as a big talker
The quarterback, who might not be available to start against the Patriots, says he hasn't said anything out of line and he's surprised by the interest in the subject.
SAN DIEGO -- It's not clear whether San Diego's Philip Rivers will be healthy enough to line up at quarterback Sunday when the Chargers play at New England in the AFC championship game.
But Rivers can still play defense -- at least verbally.
That much was clear Wednesday when Rivers, who sat out of practice with a sprained right knee, addressed the criticism that he does too much trash talking in games, most recently barking at hecklers in Indianapolis on Sunday in the wake of San Diego's upset of the Colts.
"It's kind of surprising, really, to be honest with you," he said of going from lightning bolt to lightning rod. "I'm out there having a good time, as I did in the backyard when I was 5 years old.
"I'm not saying anything out of line. There's no profanity being used. I know what I'm about. My teammate knows. My family knows. Everything else I can't worry about."
What concerns the Chargers is the availability of their starting quarterback, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament after throwing a 56-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles on the last play of the third quarter against the Colts.
Although Rivers said he's going to try to practice Friday, there's a chance the Chargers will start backup Billy Volek, who played well in relief of Rivers at Indianapolis.
"We have been in this situation a couple of times this year already," Chargers Coach Norv Turner said. "Billy took all the reps today, and Billy had a good practice. There are things that he does differently and things he does the same.
"We just have to get everybody else ready to play so if Philip is playing, then they're playing at a high level. And if he isn't, I think Billy is ready to step in and play well."
Rivers' right leg was wrapped in bandages as he spoke to reporters. Critics have suggested he mummify his mouth.
A junk-jawing timeline:
* After New England's divisional playoff victory at San Diego last season, an irate Rivers, angered by what he considered taunting celebrations, approached Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs and called him the "sorriest corner in the league."
* When the struggling Chargers opened a home game against Baltimore with a three-and-out, there was a trickling of boos from the crowd. Cameras caught Rivers saying, "Shut up!" to no one in particular.
