As Chargers Fret About LT, Does Sproles Have a Future?

Backup could fill gap behind Tomlinson permanently

By EAMONN BRENNAN

Updated 3:30 PM EST, Tue, Jan 6, 2009

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Before last weekend, Darren Sproles was a respected NFL special teamer, a guy known for quality kick returns and the occasional gimmicky third-down in the backfield. A diminutive product of Kansas State, Sproles has been a bit disrespected in his NFL career, and last week, with all-world Chargers back LaDainian Tomlinson sidelined with a muscle tear, Sproles proved he has the chops to carry the ball full-time. It was a small sample size, sure, but few would argue Sproles isn't at least capable behind an offensive line.

So now, with Tomlinson seemingly regressing (thanks to both injuries and workload by his age; he is 30) could Sproles be the running back of the Chargers' future? Michael Turner, now-stud Falcons back, didn't get that chance. He was dropped to free agency, the Chargers unable to re-sign him with Tomlinson in seemingly good condition. Could Sproles avoid a similar fate? Should the Chargers sign the little guy just in case?

At the very least, they need to begin the process. So argues Dallas News columnist Rick Gosselin today:

So expect the Chargers to spend more time discussing Sproles' future this off-season than they did Turner. San Diego must start preparing for life after Tomlinson. Great players don't stay great forever. If the Chargers decide not to keep Sproles, look for them to spend a high draft pick on a running back this April.

The only question is Sproles' ability. (Having not had lots of touches at running back, he should at least prove durable.) But his ability remains a question -- was Saturday night the product of a small sample, the one-time flash of ability, or was it definitive proof of his chops, the start of a career as something more than a kick returner?

It's practically a guess. But it's a guess the Chargers have to take, and soon.