Chargers place franchise tag on RB Sproles

Feb 18, 2009 - 10:44 PM SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- The San Diego Chargers on Wednesday designated running back Darren Sproles as their franchise player.

The designation means Sproles will make a guaranteed $6.2 million this season.

According to reports, the Chargers still are attempting to hammer out a long-term contract with the speedy Sproles, who is not considered an every-down back.

The decision to keep Sproles could impact the Chargers when it comes time to decide whether they will keep perennial Pro Bowl running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

Sproles, 25, rushed for 330 yards and a touchdown and added 29 catches for 342 yards and five scores this past season.

With Tomlinson hampered by a groin injury, Sproles showed his worth in an AFC wild-card win over Indianapolis as he rushed 23 times for 105 yards, caught five passes for 45 yards, had 106 yards on four kickoff returns and 72 on three punt runbacks.