richpats

I'd give Gates a better chance of playing than Rivers:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports...18rivers3.html

PatsFaninAZ

Doubtful is supposed to mean 25 percent chance or less, right? But I thought the Wednesday report already listed him as questionable. Is there another report that comes out later in the week?

Is there anything to police all this? Belichick plays around with the designations all the time. Is there anything that keeps a coach from listing a guy however he wants?

The real issue for QBs is the third quarterback rule. You can dress a third quarterback and not have him count against the roster, but then if you play him before the fourth quarter, your first two QBs cannot reenter the game. This is pretty risky.

If Rivers truly is less than 25 percent to give it a go, they should probably give serious thought to leaving him off the roster (or, I guess, designating him the 3d QB so at least he can dress). If he's really and truly doubtful, and they decide to leave him on the roster and designate Whitehurst as the 3d QB, they are taking a huge risk.

Snake

Who cares who plays or doesn't? Bring it. The Patriots will be prepared to play the game to the best of their ability. If they execute their game plan and make no mistakes, they win. If they don't play well and make mistakes they lose. Pretty simple. Doesn't matter who plays.

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patchick

Being used to the Patriots Way, I find it very weird to read the general manager's comments on players being "day to day" and how the decision to play or sit for a game is made.

Watson's IQ

There's some leeway to messing around with it, which BB certainly does. However, keep in mind with the Doubtful tag that Rivers has not practiced all week, and that plays into it. If Rivers was practicing fully, Norv certainly wouldn't be able to get away with listing him as Doubtful, same with Gates.

LT, on the other hand, is practicing. All above the board, I'd say.

BelichickFan

The link says Rivers does have a partially torn ACL so I guess that report last night was correct.

slymer

The link also said that Rivers practiced today. Being a Charger fan, I'd say I'm pretty worried if he doesn't play. I actually think he's more important to the team than LT. I think we're pretty deep at RB. At least Volek got some game experience last week and looked well doing it.

BelichickFan

Probably just a small amount of drop backs and mild throwing off the knees. Not just as a Patriots' fan but I really think Rivers should sit; Volek may not be a perfect option but he's a strong backup QB and will likely be at least as effective as a hobbled Rivers. The wrong hit to Rivers' weakened knee could put next year in doubt too.

Watson's IQ

Glad to hear you say that. I can't believe all the SD fans talking themselves into Volek. There's a reason he's a career backup. He could have a good game, but the odds aren't in his favor. Rivers (caveat: depending how much the injury affects him) is leagues better, even if he's still not totally consistent yet.

alamo

No, Wednesday's report did not officially list him as questionable, that was just what people said he would be. This year only the final (Friday) report reports a specific Probable/Questionable/Doubtful status. Before that only the Did/Did not Participate In Practice status is reported.