Beat writer Kevin Acee confirms that the Chargers aren't interested in bringing back free-agent RB Darren Sproles.  He'll be 28 years old when the 2011 season kicks off, and any chance he had of taking on a feature back role is probably gone.  Look for Sproles to sign on as a 3rd-down back and return specialist -- the same role he served in San Diego.  We keep hearing that the Dolphins are interested.

Chargers RB Mike Tolbert (shoulder) has been ruled out for the team's season finale against the Broncos.  RB Ryan Mathews will serve as the lead back and makes a high-quality RB2 in a favorable matchup.  RB Darren Sproles should be good for 10+ touches and is a viable RB3 in PPR leagues.

As expected, Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) is inactive for tonight's game against the Broncos.  RB Mike Tolbert draws the start, and RB Darren Sproles will also see an increased workload.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) didn't practice all week and is listed as doubtful for this week's game against the Seahawks.  He's still in a walking boot and will be inactive on Sunday.  RB Mike Tolbert will pick up the slack and is a nice RB2.  RB Darren Sproles will also see more touches.  Consider him a RB3 in PPR formats.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora confirms that the Chargers are working under the assumption that RB Ryan Mathews "will be unable to go in [his] normal role if at all" against the Seahawks on Sunday.  With a high ankle sprain, there's a good chance that Mathews misses multiple weeks.  RB Mike Tolbert is expected to start in his place, while RB Darren Sproles takes on a bigger load in his change-of-pace role.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews revealed that he suffered a high ankle sprain in last week's game against the Jaguars.  It's an injury that usually sidelines a player for at least a month.  Mathews says he hopes to play this Sunday against the Seahawks, but we highly doubt that'll happen.  RBs Mike Tolbert and Darren Sproles will split the workload.  We just adjusted our Week 3 RB Rankings.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews has reportedly seen some time as a Wildcat QB during OTAs.  RB Darren Sproles is presumably the motion man.  The set would add to Mathews' fantasy value, and this is just another reminder that the rookie will be extremely busy this season.  He's an elite RB2 and could sneak into the top-10 RBs by year's end.

Chargers RB Darren Sproles has been tendered by the team at a 1st and 3rd round level.   This is a surprise after San Diego seemed to make it clear that they would let Sproles test the free agent waters.  As things stand now, he's due to make $7.27 million during the 2010-2011 season.  With the 1st and 3rd round tender placed on him, don't expect any teams to show interest in the diminutive Sproles.

The Chargers have inked Darren Sproles to a 1-year guaranteed salary of $7.28 million dollars, making him San Diego's starting, all-purpose, RB -- for now.  When given the opportunity to carry the load on his own last season Sproles was unimpressive averaging just 3.7 yards per carry on the season. So look for the Chargers to add some thunder to Sproles lightning quick legs.  Fresno St. product Ryan Matthews, or local boy, Toby Gerhart could be just what the Bolts are looking for as a compliment to Sproles.

Chargers RB LaDainain Tomlinson (ankle) practiced in full on Friday and is listed as "probable" for the team's Sunday nighter against the Steelers.  We just added LT to our RB rankings.  But Sproles is still the better start.  The Chargers will do their damage in the passing game this week.

There has been a lot of talk this offseason about using Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles in the backfield at the same time. Both RBs have been pushing for it, but HC Norv Turner is reluctant to use it, stating that it would create terrible blocking mismatches for the Bolts. If the Chargers were to implement this “2-H” package Sproles fantasy value will increase. But for now he’ll be limited to spelling LT.

The Chargers and RB Darren Sproles did not reach an agreement on a long term deal by yesterday’s 4 PM deadline to re-up franchise players. Although no numbers we’re disclosed, Sproles probably turned down a hefty pay raise in hopes that he may see some time as the feature back this season and increase his value. This is a high-risk, high-reward move for Sproles because if Tomlinson has a healthy, productive season Sproles usage diminishes. In any event, Sproles will be in a contract year this season, so expect him to stretch for that extra yard on every play.

The Chargers assigned the franchise tag to RB Darren Sproles. It pays $6.6 million guaranteed for 1 year unless they agree on a new deal by July 15. Sproles' non-exclusive tag allows him to field offers from other teams, but the Chargers can match it or be entitled to two 1st-round picks as compensation. He's not going anywhere. The real question is what San Diego does with LaDainian Tomlinson and his contract. He's owed $24 million over the next 3 years.

Darren Sproles almost single-handedly lifted the Chargers to a 23-17 win over the Colts with 328 all-purpose yards. The 3rd highest total in NFL playoff history. The breakdown: 23 carries for 105 yards & 2 TD runs, 5 catches for 45 yards. 3 punt returns for 72 yards. 4 kickoff returns for 106 yards. "When your number's called, you have to be ready,'' Sproles said. He actually blew a 3rd TD when he fumbled the ball out of the end zone while reaching over the plane. Next up for San Diego, who's won 5 in a row, is the divisional playoff at Pittsburgh on Sunday at 4:45 ET. These two teams met on Nov.16 and the Steelers won 11-10. The Steelers outgained the Chargers 410 yards to 213 in that one.

Chargers RB Darren Sproles will be a free agent in March and hopes to break the bank after his recent high-level performances. In December and January Sproles was used extensively in 4 games and carried 57 times for 265 yards (4.65 per carry) and caught 15 passes for 187 yards -- with an astounding 7 TDs. Will the Chargers offer enough money for Sproles to stay? "Darren Sproles was drafted by the San Diego Chargers to help us in three areas – kick returns, spot play as a running back and catching passes out of the backfield," said GM A.J. Smith. "We will be pursuing Darren for exactly the same reasons.” Smith's using this back-handed compliment ("spot play", c'mon) to try and drive Sproles' perceived market value downward. It won't work. In this era of platoons someone is going to offer the 5'6 sparkplug big money to be a weekly 10-15 touch guy. They might have to look elsewhere for a new caddy for LaDainian Tomlinson.

Darren Sproles carried 9 times for 30 yards and caught 3 passes for 34 yards & 2 TDs vs. Oakland. He also had an 86-yard TD kick return nullified by an illegal block. Sproles was his usual fresh-legged, explosive self, making defenders drop their laundry trying to grab him.  He got extended playing time when LaDainian Tomlinson took a couple series off with some kind of eye or head injury. If you had Sproles on your bench don't kick yourself, the guy hadn't touched the bal 10 times in a game all year.

The North County Times on LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), who sat out again Thursday: "He was sequestered in the trainer's room during the workout, getting treatment on the most watched big right toe in San Diego. 'It's getting better, that's all I can say,' Tomlinson said." He doesn't play until Monday night and that extra day could make all the difference.

Even though Sproles is listed as probable, he is still expected to get more touches than an ailing LT on Monday night.

LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) is listed as questionable but he thinks he'll start at Denver. "Just the way I felt today, being able to run and cut and stuff, that’s why I think so,” Tomlinson said. We think he'll start too. If he was really hurt he'd clam up and not talk to the media. Darren Sproles might mix in a little more than anticipated, however. 

LaDainian Tomlinson on his sprained toe: "It tightened up some, swelled up a little bit [at Denver]. The one thing I'm happy about is it didn't get any worse after the game. I don't feel any worse than I did last week after the game, which shows it is improving and healing. Last week, I had it looked at. Now, I don't want to know.”  Tomlinson would probably be good to go after a bye-week rest, but that doesn't come until week 9. Look for him to (gulp) possibly sit out a game soon. It's the only way to get him right. Darren Sproles, we're comin' for you.