NFL ROUNDUP \ News and notes

Chargers: Although LaDainian Tomlinson’s jammed right big toe was wrapped, fantasy geeks worldwide apparently have nothing to fear. “No, I don’t think so,” the San Diego running back said. If he’s right, then it appears the worst injury sustained in the Chargers’ 26-24 loss to the Panthers was an organization-wide bruised ego. Picked by many to make it to the Super Bowl, the Chargers were stunned by Jake Delhomme’s 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dante Rosario as time expired. It was just the second loss for the Chargers in their last 17 regular season games at home. Qualcomm Stadium went from frenzied to hushed, except for the ecstatic Panthers who dogpiled behind the goal posts and celebrated on the sideline. “It’s a very disappointing way to come out of the gate, especially being at home,” said general manager A.J. Smith. Tomlinson jammed his toe when a Panthers player landed on the back of his leg during the Chargers’ final drive. The two-time defending NFL rushing champion, Tomlinson said he thinks it’s too early to tell if the injury will affect him.

Rams: Wide receiver Drew Bennett fractured his left foot in the first series of Sunday’s opener at Philadelphia and will be sidelined at least a month. Coach Scott Linehan said Monday the team would probably sign a replacement this week, but didn’t think Bennett, who could miss as many as six weeks, would be placed on injured reserve. He said surgery is not required at this time.

Bills: Jason Peters rejoined his teammates for the first time since ending an offseason-long holdout, and proclaimed his intention to play this weekend. “Yeah, I’m 100 percent ready to go and glad to be back,” the Pro Bowl left tackle said after the team held a walkthrough a day after a season-opening 34-10 win over Seattle. Though Peters hasn’t played a game since Dec. 23, and missed all offseason practices including training camp, he said he plans to be ready for Buffalo’s game at Jacksonville Sunday.

Lions: A defense, reshaped by men coach Rod Marinelli wanted, was so porous it made Michael Turner look like Jim Brown as he ran over and through the Lions for a Falcons- record 220 yards rushing. Rookie Matt Ryan resembled a seasoned quarterback when his first pass went for a touchdown. Detroit’s new-look offense, which is more committed to the run, seemed mostly out of sync. The early 21-0 deficit and issues Jon Kitna didn’t want to address led to the quarterback and assistant coach Shawn Jefferson demonstratively arguing on the sideline. A day later, Kitna chose not to clear up whether he and Jefferson were yelling at each other or if the coach was merely near him during the rant. But Kitna took the blame. “That’s not in my character to lose my cool like that,” he said. “It happened and you can’t get it back. The unfortunate part about this game is it’s so emotional, you have momentary losses of sanity. I’ve apologized for it.”

Associated Press