Philip Rivers will be ready for Chargers, McCoy says

The San Diego Chargers fully expect Philip Rivers to start versus theSan Francisco 49ers after the quarterback returned to practice on Thursday.

Battling chest and back injuries, Rivers was a full participant in the portion of practice open to the media.

"Philip had an outstanding day," coach Mike McCoy said, via the U-T San Diego. "A ball did not hit the ground in all the throws he made today. Philip was Philip, so he'll be ready to roll."

Rivers famously played through a torn ACL in a playoff game. His status for Saturday's game was never seriously in doubt.

Although Rivers' health isn't a major concern, the Chargers offense will be at less than peak strength versus a stout 49ers defense.

Running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) and No. 1 receiver Keenan Allen (collarbone) are both expected to sit out after missing practice all week.

That's especially troublesome for a unit that has generated an average of just seven points against the Patriots and Broncos the past two weeks.

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