More carries coming for LaDainian Tomlinson

What do you do with a 30-year-old running back who has battled hip and ankle injuries, who hasn't run for more than 71 yards in any game this season and who is on pace for a career low in yards per carry and touchdowns? Give him more carries, apparently. The San Diego Chargers are on pace to run fewer times than in all but two full seasons of their existence. But head coach Norv Turner said Wednesday that the team has to run the ball more, and that means more carries for LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers, who rank last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (69.6) and yards per carry (3.1), play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Fantasy Analysis:
Great information in the linked article, including how the Chargers are currently paying $4,070 per yard gained by Tomlinson and Darren Sproles this year. Simply, Tomlinson has looked horrible this season. Some of that can be attributed to his age; some of that can be attributed to a couple of nagging injuries and some of that can be attributed to a patchwork offensive line. But even in the greatest of match-ups, Tomlinson doesn't display the ability to cut sharply and burst through the whole like he used to. This note will also impact Darren Sproles, but he's more of a receiving back than a between-the-tackles runner. The Chargers have been doing fine lately with Tomlinson struggling as they have won three games in a row, largely on the arm of Philip Rivers. If the Chargers want to be a more balanced team, fine. But I don't think more carries are going to up Tomlinson's fantasy value significantly. A note for the short term: The last time Tomlinson faced the Eagles -- Oct. 23, 2005 -- he was held to 7 yards on 17 carries.

Players Involved:
RB Tomlinson, Ladainian, SD
RB Sproles, Darren, SD

Team Involved:
SD  

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