CHARGERS L.T. injured, expects to play against rival
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice Wednesday and will probably sit out Thursday because of a strained groin, but the San Diego Chargers running back expects to play against the Oakland Raiders.
Tomlinson has been playing through the injury the last three weeks, and does not want to miss the big home game Sunday.
"I consider the Raiders our biggest rival because everybody around town loves that game," Tomlinson said. "That's the game you look forward to playing."
Two of Tomlinson's five biggest games as a pro came against the Raiders in 2003. He had a career-high 243 yards in a home win in the season finale, and 187 yards in an overtime loss at Oakland on Sept. 28.
Of course, how he does Sunday will depend on how his groin feels. Tomlinson hasn't had reached 65 yards in any of the last three games, although he caught four passes for 78 yards the week after he was hurt.
"It was pretty bad at first, but it's getting better," said Tomlinson, who was hurt in the second half of a home win against Tennessee on Oct. 3. He gained 147 yards in that game.
Tomlinson limped off the field last Sunday, when the Chargers won 17-6 at Carolina to improve to 4-3.