Chargers RB Tomlinson starts against Colts

Jan 4, 2009 - 1:18 AM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- LaDainian Tomlinson started Saturday night's home AFC wild-card playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Multiple media reports during the day had suggested the All-Pro running back either might not play or would be limited by a groin injury.

The San Diego Union-Tribune, citing team sources, reported that Tomlinson has a severe groin strain and would not play if it was an early-season game.

Earlier Saturday, ESPN reported that Tomlinson will be a game-time decision due to a detached adductor muscle (groin), which will limit his lateral movement and ability to make cuts. The adductor muscle helps you open and close your legs.

Multiple sources, however, told the newspaper that the ESPN report is an "exaggeration," saying such an injury would make walking almost impossible.

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, a four-time Pro Bowler, who also was expected to be a game-time decision with a high-ankle sprain, was in the starting lineup as well.

Tomlinson suffered the injury in the third quarter of last Sunday's 52-21 win over Denver that helped the Chargers (8-8) clinch the AFC West title.

The 2006 NFL MVP, who suffered a sprained MCL in last year's playoff win over Indianapolis, had his toughness questioned during last season's AFC championship game loss to New England, when he sat out the majority of the game while quarterback Philip Rivers played with a torn ACL.

Gates also missed that game with a toe injury he suffered against Indianapolis the previous week.