Mouthy to a fault, quarterback Philip Rivers made a pronouncement Friday that pleased the San Diego Chargers: He's optimistic about playing in the AFC championship game.

Rivers returned to the practice field, encouraged his sprained right knee would heal enough for him to go Sunday against the New England Patriots.

Chargers coach Norv Turner took a more cautious approach. He listed Rivers as doubtful and said it would be a gametime decision.

Already a two-touchdown underdog against the perfect Patriots, the Chargers are awfully banged up. Star running back LaDainian Tomlinson said he thought his hyperextended left knee would be OK for him to start, but tight end Antonio Gates was put in the doubtful category.