MKRob Sports

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson has a chance to make a difference in the outcome of the Chargers’ game in Pittsburgh on Sunday, and that’s a far better option than the last time he stood on the turf at Heinz Field.

Out with an injured groin, Tomlinson quietly agonized on the sidelines during January’s AFC divisional playoff game, won 35-24 by the Steelers, who allowed San Diego only 15 rushing yards on 12 attempts.

After sitting out the past two games with a sprained ankle — the first regular-season games he has missed in his career — Tomlinson returned to practice yesterday and gave every indication he is ready to take on the Super Bowl champions.

“I want to play in this game,” said Tomlinson, who participated in the full practice and deemed his ankle to be “feeling pretty good right now.”

He said the key would be how the ankle bounces back after the workout.

“You gain confidence by practicing,” Tomlinson said, “and so today was a good measuring stick for where I am.”

Tomlinson hurt his ankle in the first quarter of the season opener against the Raiders, but remained in the game until the fourth quarter and ended up with 55 yards on 13 carries for a 4.2 average. In his absence, Darren Sproles (90 yards) and Michael Bennett (37) have averaged a worrisome 2.6 yards per carry.

The Chargers rank next-to-last in the NFL in average rushing yards per game (66.3) and are tied for last with Chicago in average yards per rush (2.8). How poor is that? There are 20 teams in the league averaging 4 yards or better.

“Anywhere I can help this team, I’m willing to do it,” Tomlinson said.