Given some of the flimsy offensive lines he's played behind, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers' durability is truly incredible. Since becoming the starter in 2006, Rivers has started 194 consecutive games for the Bolts, including playoffs.

That includes starting in the 2007 AFC championship game against the undefeated New England Patriots with a torn ACL. After the game, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune said, “To go out there and put his knee, and ultimately his career, on the line. It has to go down as one of the gutsiest performances.”

Rivers' incredible streak was put in danger this week. During last Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rivers endured a concussion and was placed in the league's concussion protocol. Luckily for the Chargers and their season that's hanging on by a thin thread, there's optimism that Phil Rivers will still be available.

From the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:

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The are encouraged by QB Philip Rivers’ progress through the concussion protocol, sources say, which bodes well for his availability on Sunday. Of course, he must be cleared by an independent neurologist, like all players.

At 3-6, the Chargers can't afford to lose many more games if they hope to grab the final playoff spot in the AFC. A win over the 5-4 Buffalo Bill this weekend would at least give them a tiebreaker over the team currently holding that final slot.

An 8-8 finish would put the Bolts in play for the last AFC playoff spot, but 9-7 is likely the finish they'd need to feel confident about making it to the NFL's big dance. Also standing in the Chargers' way are the Oakland Raiders (4-5), Miami Dolphins (4-5), Baltimore Ravens (4-5), and New York Jets (4-6).

Their odds are slim, and losing Rivers would all but settle L.A.'s fate on the outside looking in.