NFL Wire Notes | Knee may sideline Chargers QB Rivers

SAN DIEGO — The euphoria of the San Diego Chargers' stunning win against the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts was replaced by reality Monday.

While two-time NFL rushing champion LaDainian Tomlinson said he should be able to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game, the Chargers know quarterback Philip Rivers will be gimpy with a sprained right knee if he's able to play against the undefeated New England Patriots.

Rivers was listed as questionable. He injured his medial collateral ligament when he landed awkwardly after completing a 56-yard screen pass to Darren Sproles for a touchdown on the final play of the third quarter in Sunday's 28-24 upset of the Colts.

Coach Norv Turner compared Rivers' situation with that of tight end Antonio Gates. Gates dislocated his left big toe in a wild-card win over Tennessee, sat out practice all week and then played against the Colts.

"Right now, it's probably questionable in terms of playing in the game, but he's got a chance," Turner said Monday. "That will be a day-to-day thing and we'll monitor it as the week goes on."

The Chargers were without Tomlinson for a good deal of the Colts game after he hurt his left knee in the second quarter. He said he expects to play against the Patriots.

"It's nothing serious, just a hyperextension," Tomlinson said. "I think they've got me listed as questionable, but I'm pretty sure I'll be able to play."

Tomlinson has rushed for just 70 yards in San Diego's two playoff wins.

Dungy: "We'll see

what happens"

The desire to return as the Indianapolis Colts coach is strong, but that doesn't mean Tony Dungy will guide the team into the future.

"I'm hoping to be back, but we'll see what happens," he said during a news conference Monday.

A decision is expected by the weekend after Dungy consults with his wife, Lauren, and their family.

"My wife and I will sit down and evaluate this week and talk about it, talk it through," he said. "We'll probably come to some decision this weekend and be ready to move forward on Monday one way or the other."

It comes down to whether Dungy believes he can juggle a seventh season as Colts coach with being a father. His family has returned to its home in Tampa, Fla., where his three school-age kids have enrolled in school.

"I've got to make sure I've got the energy ... to devote to both of those jobs," Dungy said. "I don't want to shortchange either one."

Dungy has a contract that runs through 2009.

If Dungy leaves, it's likely he would lobby for assistant head coach Jim Caldwell to replace him. Caldwell has interviewed for openings in Atlanta and Baltimore.

Notes

• At least one Cowboys player referred to assistant head coach Tony Sparano in the past tense Monday, because he may soon change teams. The front-runner for the Dolphins' head-coaching job, Sparano became available for hire when Dallas lost its playoff game Sunday to the New York Giants.

On Monday, Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz became the fourth candidate to interview. Miami also interviewed Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.

• Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will interview a second time for the Ravens' head coaching job, The Baltimore Sun reported.

• RB Thomas Clayton was among five players signed to future contracts by the 49ers.

Clayton, CB Markus Curry, and WRs Jerard Rabb and Dominique Zeigler were on the 49ers' practice squad last month. San Francisco also signed TE Cooper Wallace, who spent last season on practice squads in Tennessee and Cincinnati.