SAN DIEGO -- Chargers coach Norv Turner confirmed what most people already guessed, that LaDainian Tomlinson will not play in Friday night's preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers.
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Tomlinson started the first two preseason games, bucking a tradition of having him sit out the entire schedule in order to stay healthy. He did sit out last Saturday's loss at Atlanta.
Most other San Diego starters will be in for 10 to 15 plays Friday.
It's also highly unlikely that running back-return specialist Darren Sproles will play Friday. Sproles has touched the ball 16 times in the preseason, including rushes, receptions and returns, which Turner believes is enough for the runner to be ready for the Sept. 14 regular-season opener at Oakland.
"He practices at such a high level that he's ready to go play," Turner said. "Obviously he wanted to get some carries, catches and a couple returns. I think he's done that. He's had an excellent training camp, an excellent preseason and is ready to go."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press