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Turner Doubts LT Will Play

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 10, 2009

SAN DIEGO - LaDainian Tomlinson was officially listed as doubtful by the San Diego Chargers on Friday, two days before they play at Pittsburgh in the AFC divisional playoffs.

Tomlinson himself said he was doubtful two days earlier, and there's a growing expectation that the 2006 NFL MVP won't play due to 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.

Tomlinson played just more than a quarter in Saturday night's 23-17 overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts before the injury forced him to the sideline after he scored on a 3-yard run.

Turner said there was no need to rule Tomlinson out before Sunday.

"I don't think we need to do that because he is feeling better, and if he gets up Sunday and he's feeling good, we may want him to be one of the 45," Turner said.

Pro Bowl TE Antonio Gates (ankle) is listed as questionable and K Nate Kaeding (groin, ankle) is probable. Tomlinson and Gates missed practice all week. Kaeding missed practice Thursday and Friday after spraining his ankle in practice Wednesday.

STEELERS ON THEIR TOES

The Steelers have been watching plenty of film on San Diego this week and there is one thing they know for sure - they will have to be prepared to defend the screen pass at any given moment.

"It is tough because they run the screen all the way down the field," said DE Brett Keisel. "They do it when they are backed up; they will do it in the red zone; they will do it everywhere. ... Their offensive line does a good job of shedding guys and getting out into the secondary. We just have to be on our feet."

RB Darren Sproles has been the perfect weapon for QB Philip Rivers on the screen pass and his height, 5-foot-6, makes it tough on defenders.

"If you watch them, their linemen do a very good job of getting out in front," said S Ryan Clark. "Then, you throw in that you cannot see Sproles because he is hiding behind those guys."

The defense knows the Chargers offensive arsenal is not limited to the screen, but it is one of the most effective weapons they have.

Tribune wires

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