Tomlinson's future with Chargers uncertain

Jan 16, 2009 - 9:41 PM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- San Diego Chargers five-time Pro Bowl running back LaDainian Tomlinson will not be left in the dark about his future with the club, team president Dean Spanos said.

Tomlinson received a call from Spanos on Thursday amid reports that the Chargers could release the star running back this offseason.

Slowed by injuries in each of the last two postseasons, Tomlinson will count $8.8 million against the salary cap next year.

"We talked about the situation and I just tried to explain everything that must be considered," Spanos said on the club's offseason plans. "I told him we haven't even started our discussions and won't for a while, so don't jump to any conclusions. And I told him I would call him personally to make sure he's aware of everything that's going on."

Since winning the NFL MVP in 2006 when he set a single-season record with 31 touchdowns, Tomlinson has seen his numbers decrease. This past season, he rushed for a career-low 1,110 yards, although he did score 12 total TDs.

Tomlinson missed last Sunday's AFC divisional playoff loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a groin injury. He also was slowed during the season with a toe injury.

Tomlinson, who turns 30 in June, is under contract through 2011.

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith also was unsure if Tomlinson, a future Hall of Famer, would be back with the team.

"I wish she knew the answers to all of these questions now, but we don't," Smith said. "We want our evaluation process to be as through as possible. We always start with open minds and with the same goal every year; put together a team team that gives us the best chance of bringing a championship to San Diego."

Tomlinson, who has spent all eight of his seasons with the Chargers, has rushed for 11,760 yards and 126 TDs and added 510 catches for 3,810 yards and 15 scores in 127 career games.