Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
As expected, LaDainian Tomlinson did not practice Thursday as San Diego continued to prepare for Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game at Pittsburgh.
The star running back said Wednesday he is doubtful to play against the Steelers. If he does somehow play Sunday, it likely won't be determined until game time. He has a torn groin that kept him out of the second half of the Chargers' wild-card win over the Colts. Darren Sproles, Michael Bennett and Jacob Hester will have increased roles if Tomlinson can't play.
Star tight end Antonio Gates also missed practice. It was his fifth straight missed practice, but he did play against the Colts and he had a game-high eight catches in the game. Gates has both a high and a low ankle sprain on his right leg. He is expected to play Sunday.
Kicker Nate Kaeding didn't practice Thursday after he practiced fully Wednesday. He suffered a groin injury in pregame warm-ups against the Colts, but he played and sent the game into overtime with a field goal at the end of regulation. Kaeding is sore but he expects to play Sunday.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
