SAN DIEGO — Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has been ruled out of Sunday’s home opener against the Ravens because of a sprained ankle, just the second time he will miss a start due to injury in his nine-year career.
The former NFL MVP, who was hurt in Monday night’s 24-20 victory at Oakland, had not missed a game due to injury until January, when a groin injury kept him out of a playoff loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Steelers.
Tomlinson’s carries will go to Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett, a late-season addition last year who made the roster out of training camp.
Also out are center Nick Hardwick (ankle) and defensive end Travis Johnson (groin). Right guard Louis Vasquez (knee) could also be sidelined, along with linebacker Antwan Applewhite (hamstring) and defensive tackle Jamal Williams (elbow). All three are listed as questionable.
• The NFL fined Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers $7,500 for taunting Raiders defensive lineman Gerard Warren in Monday night’s victory at Oakland.
Footnotes.
The NFL fined Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson $10,000 for a hit on 49ers receiver Vernon Davis.
The league also fined Redskins receiver Santana Moss and Giants cornerback Corey Webster $5,000 apiece for their tussle during Sunday’s game.
• With Donovan McNabb nursing a fractured rib, Kevin Kolb took all the snaps with the first team in practice and likely will start at quarterback for the Eagles on Sunday against the Saints.
• The Bills signed cornerback Terrence McGee to a four-year contract extension.
• Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty will not play at Dallas on Sunday night because of a calf injury.
• Steelers wide receiver Limas Sweed won’t play Sunday against the Bears because of a sprained foot.
• 49ers wide receiver Brandon Jones is unlikely to play Sunday against the Seahawks after returning to practice this week from a shoulder injury.
• Seahawks nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones could play Sunday at San Francisco one month to the day after knee surgery, while wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh practiced for the first time this week following back spasms and is probable.
• Longtime Lions offensive lineman Bob Kowalkowski died Thursday night in Detroit. He was 65.
The Associated Press
