No LT? No problem
In the last two exhibition seasons, LaDainian Tomlinson has participated in exactly one snap. That one was a 55-yard touchdown run against the St. Louis Rams in 2005.
He didn't play at all last year. And he won't play at all in this year's four games that don't count, as new coach Norv Turner has decided that what was good enough for Marty Schottenheimer is good enough for him.
"I think the plan that ha been used in a lot of areas around here has been outstanding, and the plan with LT has worked," Turner said. "It would have made me nervous if that's not what they'd done here. But LT didn't play a down last year and had, I'd say, a pretty good year, so we're gonna stay with that plan.
"LT's going to come out and get a great workout with Philip (Rivers), run routes, get a good sweat going. Then he's going to take a shower and he's going to be standing over there helping the young guys."
That's fine, Tomlinson said, but it's not something he asked for.
"I'm here to play football," he said. "If they want me to play in the pre-season, I'll play. If not, then I'll be ready for the first game. But it doesn't matter to me either way."