Sleeper Watch

It’s been a good season for those who drafted LaDainian Tomlinson. While other owners have had to overcome the losses of such early picks as Priest Holmes, Deuce McAllister, Daunte Culpepper, or Ahman Green, Tomlinson has been practically indestructible, rushing for 1,323 yards and 17 touchdowns and leading most of his owners to the fantasy playoffs. It came as a considerable shock, therefore, when bruised ribs forced the workhorse back to the sidelines in San Diego’s 26-17 win over previously unbeaten Indianapolis.

The good news is that Tomlinson was able to practice yesterday and should be good to go when the Chargers travel to Kansas City on Christmas Eve. With both teams’ playoff hopes on the lines, San Diego will certainly be sure to do everything humanly possible to make sure the Pro Bowler will be ready. There’s a slight possibility, however, that the running back’s injury will limit him on Saturday. To be on the safe side, Tomlinson owners should grab backup Michael Turner off the wire if they haven’t done so already.

Turner was impressive in a fill-in role last Sunday, rushing for 113 yards on eight carries, including an 83-yard sprint in the fourth quarter that sealed the win and put an end to the Colts’ visions of an undefeated campaign. Over the course of the season, Turner has gained 336 yards in 56 attempts for an excellent 6.0 average.

Once again, Tomlinson is currently expected to play this week, and Turner is strictly an insurance policy. But at this time of the year, when most leagues hold their championship games, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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