Source: Associated Press



SAN DIEGO (AP)-LaDainian Tomlinson is looking forward to increasing his summer work load.

"I'm hoping to get a few more carries," Tomlinson said Monday as the San Diego Chargers got back to practice after a day off. "I said this past game I was just starting to get into the rhythm. Hopefully I can get into that rhythm before (coach Norv Turner) pulls me out."

Tomlinson was pulled by Turner after four runs and one catch in a 20-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. But it was news for the mere fact that Tomlinson played in a preseason game for the first time since 2005.

Next up for the Chargers is a Saturday night meeting at the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals. Tomlinson expects to be active late into the second quarter.

"I don't think there is any downside to it," said Tomlinson, who turned 30 in June. "You don't do enough to really feel the physical effects of playing in the preseason. If I was to get 10-15 carries, then obviously that would probably be a bit of a risk in having to deal with soreness, but I don't think it's enough to feel any effects of fatigue or pain."

While noting he could get hurt, Tomlinson also said working with his blockers in August can pay dividends once the season starts at Oakland on Sept. 14.

"It was good to get out there and get some timing with my linemen and get some reads and get the first hit over with for the season," said Tomlinson, who ran for 10 yards and gained eight on his reception.

"I think we both can benefit from it. The linemen kind of get a sense of timing when I hit the hole and how fast I hit the hole. Sometimes I can be patient on certain plays and let the linemen know kind of what I'm reading and thinking."

What Tomlinson is feeling and thinking are both positives. Instead of having to rest his body after Saturday's game, he played golf.

Tomlinson is healthy after having his production compromised last season by toe and groin injuries.

"I'm so much better and it's great to be feeling good again and pain free," he said. "I kind of measure myself how I feel after the game. I know I didn't get a lot of time out there-I got five touches-but I went and played golf the next day. That tells you how I felt. I'm healthy."