THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN DIEGO — Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers had surgery Wednesday to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The surgery was performed by Dr. David Chao of the team’s medical staff. Rivers will rehab for up to six months.
Rivers was hurt in a 28-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional playoffs, but was able to play Sunday in the Chargers’ 21-12 loss to undefeated New England in the AFC championship game.
Rivers revealed Monday that he had arthroscopic surgery a day after the Indianapolis game to clean out damaged cartilage. He said that was the only way he was able to play against the Patriots.
NOTE: The Chargers have replaced one Hall of Fame wide receivers coach with another. Charlie Joiner, the team’s career receiving leader, was hired Wednesday to replace James Lofton, who was fired Tuesday.
Joiner also coached the team’s wide receivers from 1987-91 after retiring.
Joiner played 18 seasons in the AFL and NFL with the Houston Oilers, Cincinnati Bengals and Chargers. He retired on Jan. 12, 1987 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. Joiner’s final career totals included 750 catches for 12,146 yards and 65 TDs. At the time of his retirement, Joiner’s 239 career games played were the most by an NFL wide receiver.
Joiner also served as wide receivers coach with Buffalo and Kansas City.
