LaDainian Tomlinson: Torn Tendon, No Heart? Could LT Have Played More vs. Colts?

NFL fans have come to terms with the fact that LaDainian Tomlinson had a down season in 2008. For all his greatness, he was permitted to regress—he's still the best running back in the league, right?

But there is another question that needs to be asked. Does Tomlinson have the heart to play in the postseason?

He's a class act and a fan-favorite. NFL fans would love to see someone with his ability be a champion, win significant games, and solidify his place in Canton when his career is over.

But does he have the heart of a champion? For the second consecutive season, LT is conspicuously absent when a true champion is supposed to want the ball in his hands.

Darren Sproles' 328-all purpose yards allowed Tomlinson to walk off the field with a smile, but what if the Chargers lost? Would we have seen Tomlinson on the bench with his helmet on again?

At the start of the game, the word was that Tomlinson wanted to limit his carries so he would be available for the team in the fourth quarter.

Yet, Tomlinson remained on the sidelines with his helmet off as Sproles and Michael Bennett led the Chargers to a hard-fought victory over the 12-4 Colts.

However, it's not a question of the win or loss. But for two consecutive seasons, Tomlinson looks healthy enough to stand and cycle an exercise bike—but not play.

In a game where Antonio Gates averaged nearly 11 yards per reception after being questionable with a high-ankle sprain, Tomlinson allowed the fate of the game to fall into the hands of the men paid to back him up.

Is this what's expected of the face of any franchise? Don't the leaders of the team belong on the field?

It's not like the game was a blowout. And it wasn't like the Chargers couldn't have used the presence of a future Hall of Fame running back on the field.

Instead, new leaders for San Diego emerged, and their abilities should bring serious questions as to how valuable Tomlinson is to the team's future.

If he has a fantastic game in the AFC Divisional round, this entire article is a moot point. But if he's not available to go, it's time to legitimately question his value to the San Diego Chargers.

Sproles wasn't a game-changer because he was spelling off LT. And Rivers hasn't succeeded in 2008 because of Tomlinson's running, either.

There's no telling how significant Tomlinson's groin injury is—but he played in the first half, and he played well enough to score points for his team.

That production would've been critical in the second half, too.

Angel Navedo covers the Jets-Examiner" target="_blank">New York Jets for Examiner.com. His work can also be found on NYJetsFan.com, where he is the Head Writer, and on MyGridironSpace.com—a premier social networking site built exclusively for NFL fans.

He is also a Senior Writer at Bleacher Report, where he is one of the New York Jets Community Leaders.