Darren Sproles, pro football’s littlest man, was prepared for the biggest assignment of his career for the San Diego Chargers on Saturday night.And the Chargers’ 5-foot-6, 181-pound running back delivered as a complement to LaDainian Tomlinson, who was bothered by a serious groin injury going into San Diego’s AFC first-round game against Indianapolis.
Sproles, the former Olathe North and Kansas State standout, electrified the sellout crowd with several scintillating runs in the first half, including a 13-yard burst on a third-and-7 play; and a 9-yard touchdown that gave the Chargers a 14-10 lead.
Sproles nearly had a second touchdown, but after catching a short pass in the third quarter, he fumbled when hit at the 2 and the ball rolled into the end zone for a touchback.
Both Sproles and Tomlinson were introduced to the crowd as starters. Tomlinson opened the game, but Sproles had more touches in the first half. He carried seven times for 38 yards and caught one pass for 5 yards. Sproles also returned one punt for 18 yards and averaged 25 yards for three kickoff returns.
Sproles entered the playoffs on a roll. After Tomlinson was injured in last week’s playoff-clinching win over Denver, Sproles recorded his second-career 100-yard rushing performance with 115 yards and a 2-yard touchdown run. He set up that score with a season-best 37-yard run to the 2. Sproles also scored on a 13-yard reception.
Sproles’ biggest moment couldn’t come at a better time for him, financially. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Having seen former Tomlinson backup Michael Turner sign a six-year contract worth up to $34.5 million ($15 million guaranteed) with the Atlanta Falcons — whom he sparked to the playoffs with 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns — Sproles could be in line for a big payday. Source: Kansascity.com
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