LaDainian Tomlison on the sidelines with his helmet on. That was the image of the AFC Championship game last year, when the Patriots took out the Chargers 21-12. Tomlinson had two carries for five yards before leaving the game with a knee and being reduced to nothing more than a sideline fan. The Chargers are hoping that doesn't happen again this Sunday against the Colts.
Tomlinson and star tight end Antonio Gates both missed their second straight practice on Thursday, Tomlinson with a sprained groin, Gates with a sprained ankle.
"If we were playing today he probably wouldn't play," coach Norv Turner said about Gates, the Pro Bowl tight end.
And L.T.? "Yeah, I think he would," the coach said.
"Both of them are a lot better than they have been," Turner said. "It really will be a Saturday decision, how they feel. We'll get them out there and run around and see how they feel. I'm optimistic about both of them."
It goes without saying that the Chargers will need all their offensive stars to overtake a team that won more games in November and December than San Diego did all season. The Colts have been rolling of late, and missing your top running back and second leading receiver isn't exactly optimal conditions when the MVP comes to town.
Even if LaDainian plays, Gates not being around hurts Philip Rivers and company. Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers, I hope you guys have been paying attention in film class this week. The San Diego faithful might have to count on you if the Chargers are trying to mount a comeback at the end of the game.
