Report: Chargers QB Philip Rivers dealing with bruised ribs

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates said after Sunday's game against the Raiders that quarterback Philip Rivers has been dealing with "a very severe rib injury" for a few weeks.

A source told NFL.com that Rivers has bruised ribs with possible cartilage damage, but he is not dealing with fractured ribs and he has sustained no damage to his lungs.

Rivers dismissed talk about severity of the issue following Sunday's 13-6 win. While he had to be checked out twice during Sunday's game -- once after having his leg rolled up and again after taking a big shot to the midsection -- he didn't miss a snap in the Week 11 victory. 

Rivers is off to a slow start statistically in November, completing 59.6 percent of his passes (34 of 57) for 331 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions through two games this month.