
Tomlinson ran 12 times for just 24 yards in the playoff loss to the Jets, and had career-lows of 730 yards gained and a 3.3 average per carry this season. “I can’t tell you right now,” Tomlinson said after Sunday’s game, on whether he has played his final game in a Chargers uniform. “I’ve heard all the speculation. But I’ll tell you what: I’ve had a heck of a time here and if it is (the end), I’ve enjoyed the ride.” If the Chargers release Tomlinson, they’ll need to acquire a sturdy running back who can carry the load that the 5-foot-6, 185-pound Darren Sproles might not be able to handle. San Diego needs improvement in its running game after finishing 31st in the NFL at 88.9 yards per game. The Chargers also will have to upgrade their rush defense, which allowed 117.6 yards per contest, good for 20th in the league. The Jets out-gained the Chargers on the ground 169-61 in the playoff game, with Shonn Greene running for a 53-yard touchdown.