Tomlinson is OK with reduced role

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The 100-yard games have dried up, although he came close once. Those three-touchdown games seemingly are on the endangered species list.

There is talk about this perhaps being the end of a remarkable career, or at least his time in San Diego, what with his declining output and advancing age.

None of it matters to LaDainian Tomlinson.

Perhaps in his last few weeks with pass-happy San Diego, L.T. is happy and healthy going into the Chargers’ playoff opener against the New York Jets on Sunday. It could be the final game at Qualcomm Stadium for one of the city’s most popular athletes ever.

Three years removed from winning the NFL MVP award and setting league records for touchdowns (31) and points (186) in a season, Tomlinson doesn’t mind at all that Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers spends less time handing off to him and more time throwing to Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates, and 6-foot-5 wideouts Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd.

Handling the reduced role was easy for Tomlinson, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

“You prepare yourself for something and you accept it,” Tomlinson said. “This train was going one way, and I wasn’t going to be the guy to hold it up. I’ve never been that type of guy. I accept my role on this team and I play the best I can.”

Tomlinson had 730 yards on 223 carries for an average of 3.3 yards per carry this season, all career lows. The lower numbers were due in part to the Chargers (13-3) relying more on their high-octane passing game, as well as L.T. missing the second and third games with a sprained ankle.

What he doesn’t want to miss is playoff playing time, considering that his last two postseasons have been cut short by knee and groin injuries.

Now he’s healthy.

“I’m excited about it,” said Tomlinson, who in his ninth season has reached eighth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 12,490 yards. “I get to go out and turn it loose, and whatever happens, happens.”

Maybe he’ll pile up some yards and score a few TDs?

“It would be great but even greater would be a win, and no matter how we get it done, that’s what I’m focusing on. It’ll be an exciting time,” he said.

In his best game this year, Tomlinson had 96 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-23 home win against Philadelphia on Nov. 15. This was his first season without a 100-yard game.