Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Antonio Smith drags down San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers for a sack during the second half of a NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) (The Associated Press)
SAN DIEGO – Chargers coach Mike McCoy has refuted star tight end Antonio Gates' comment that quarterback Philip Rivers has a severe rib injury.
Rivers was injured twice in Sunday's 13-6 victory against winless Oakland but remained in the game.
Afterward, while commenting on Rivers' toughness, Gates said: "For those who don't know, he's been dealing with a rib injury, a very severe rib injury. So he's been toughing it out these last three, four weeks."
Asked Monday about Gates' comment, McCoy said: "Philip's never missed a snap in practice and he hasn't been in treatment with James, so I would not say severe injury." McCoy was referring to trainer James Collins.
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