LaDanian Tomlinson Is Doubtful; People Need to Lower Expectations for Darren Sproles

LaDanian Tomlinson was a virtual non-factor against the Indianapolis Colts last weekend. Yes, he scored, but five carries for 25 yards in a home playoff game is more or less "non-facto.r" Granted, too, he had a detached muscle in his groin, and that's a pretty good excuse for just about anything.

Anyway, all of that is how Darren Sproles became the most talked about name of the wild card weekend. And it looks like he might have a chance to repeat the success, as Tomlinson is doubtful.

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson was officially listed as doubtful on Friday, two days before San Diego plays at Pittsburgh in the AFC divisional playoffs.

Tomlinson himself said he was doubtful on Wednesday because of a detached tendon in his groin.

"I'm going to hold out hope, but I don't know if that's realistic," coach Norv Turner said.

Also not realistic? Sproles repeating his outing against the Colts. Now, make no mistake: Darren Sproles is a very dangerous weapon to have on a football team. He can run, catch and return, he's lightning fast and incredibly elusive. But he is also not going to average over 300 total yards every game.

And he's probably not going to do it against the Steelers. Remember, he was piling up this yardage against the Colts, who ranked 24th in return yardage and rushing yards allowed. In other words, the lowest passing touchdown total ESPN kept running on the bottom line leading up to the game couldn't be any more disingenuous.

So, settle down people (media, fans, whoever) and stop discussing the idea of San Diego somehow not wanting Tomlinson healthy enough just so Sproles can get all the carries.