Though some consider the stunning AFC divisional playoff win by the Chargers over the Colts as a sign that San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers has come of age and is ready to lead the team to new heights in 2008, our concern has been that Rivers’ ACL injury and rehab will cause him to miss most if not all of the offseason program, holding back his preparations for the coming season.

Given that most teams install 75 percent or more of their offense and defense during the offseason, the missed time has significant meaning.

But even though Rivers initially was regarded as a longshot to be ready to go when training camp opens, Rivers is already back on the field, as Adam Schefter points out in his Wednesday “Around the League” segment for NFLN’s Total Access. He took ten snaps with the starting offense during the last practice before Memorial Day, and he led the offense throughout 11-on-11 drills on Monday of this week.

“I was prepared to have him really not do anything except throw routes against air,” coach Norv Turner recently said.  “He’s just making great progress.”