Philip Rivers reportedly playing through bulging disk in back

Philip Rivers is playing through a pretty significant back injury, according to a report.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported Sunday that Rivers has a bulging disk in his back that is on the verge of being herniated, yet the quarterback is still playing for the Chargers. The issue began to bother Rivers three weeks ago but he has not missed any games. Rivers did miss practice Wednesday, which is said to be the first time in years he missed practice.

Rivers has taken epidural injections and may consider offseason surgery.

This is the second time this season that Rivers has been playing through an injury that has been under-reported. The public learned through Antonio Gates last month that Rivers was battling a severe rib injury.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday morning that Rivers “is battling a back injury that is bigger than people realize, per league source.”

There was a strong hint about the injury from NFL reporters who were in amazement following San Diego’s comeback win over San Francisco on Saturday night. Both Peter King and Chris Mortensen praised Rivers, indicating they knew what the quarterback was battling throughout the game. Rivers threw for 356 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in a comeback win Saturday.